Nairobi, 30 October 2014 - President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon witnessed Thursday the adoption of a new historic framework that will set in motion Africa's sustainable transport transition, benefiting health, the environment and overall sustainable development across the continent.
Over 42 African countries, represented by ministers of transport, environment and other senior officials, participated in the Africa Sustainable Transport Forum (ASTF), organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank and UN-Habitat, in partnership with the Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy Program . The meeting, which is hosted by the Government of Kenya, aims to implement concrete actions to integrate sustainable transport into the region's development and planning processes.
Globally, air pollution is killing 7 million people a year - four times the impact of HIV Aids and malaria together, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), whose studies estimate that per capita figures for deaths from outdoor air pollution in Africa are well below the world average - but the lack of sufficient data constitutes a barrier for the production of accurate estimates.
In Kenya alone, rapid urbanization is projected to double Nairobi's car fleet in just six years, a situation that could put the health and well-being of thousands of Kenyans at risk. And while per capita CO2 emissions remain low, the rapidly growing consumption of fossil fuels is quickly changing Kenya's CO2 trajectory as demand for energy and mobility expands.
At the same time, studies show that in Nairobi, for example, air pollution levels are at times seven times as high as the maximum WHO guidelines. Pollution in Nairobi doubles near the central business district, reflecting high pollution from vehicle exhaust
Speaking at the opening of the ministerial event, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya said, "This conference comes at a time when Africa is at a critical stage in implementing its development agenda 2063."
"For this agenda to gain traction, it requires our commitment to a shared strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development for Africa's transformation. It also requires that we do things differently to achieve our vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa."
"Further, Agenda 2063 identifies infrastructure transport and interconnectedness as key drivers and enablers to our social and economic development," President Kenyatta added.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, "I congratulate African Governments for taking the initiative to formulate a sustainable transport strategy. Your commitment to develop and maintain reliable, modern, sustainable and affordable infrastructure in both rural and urban areas is in line with the emerging African Agenda 2063 and the associated Common African Position on the post-2015 development agenda. "
"Only a few months ago, I participated in the first UN Environment Assembly, at which member countries called on the international community and UNEP to strengthen their work on air quality. I am happy to see we are already putting this into action, today, through developing a sustainable transport roadmap for Africa."
Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director said, "With spending on transport infrastructure growing at an unprecedented rate across Africa, policymakers have a window of opportunity to mitigate climate change threats and ensure the health and well-being of millions of Africans by introducing clean and efficient transportation."
"The ASTF Framework will provide the platform for Africa's decision-makers to share best practices, coordinate sustainable transport efforts and provide focus to development planning to transition its transport sector into one that is more resource-efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective for its ambitious and increasingly mobile population."
Mr. Jose Luis Irigoyen, Director, Transport and ICT, Global Practice of the World Bank said
"The renewed focus on sustainable transport in Africa is critical in supporting more inclusive growth and avoiding locking in countries to an unsustainable development path."
Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat said, "The ASTF Framework, and the bi-annual ASTF meetings, will allow leaders to share knowledge and best practices, while acting as a mechanism for funding and investment for sustainable transport infrastructure across the region."
Reducing CO2 emissions is a growing challenge for the transport sector. According to the World Bank, transportation produces roughly 23 per cent of the global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. More alarmingly, transportation is the fastest growing consumer of fossil fuels and the fastest growing source of CO2 emissions. With rapid urbanization in developing countries, energy consumption and CO2 emissions by urban transport are increasing rapidly everywhere in the world, including Africa.
The roadmap adopted by ministers today seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport in Africa by adopting a comprehensive approach that aims to promote the use of low-emission non-motorized transport, encourage the development of quality public transport and increase investment in clean technologies.
Notes to Editors:
- From 28 - 31 October 2014, the ASTF Conference hosts the Solutions Expo; showcasing some of the most successful, exciting and innovative sustainable transport solutions within the African continent and beyond. In particular, the Solutions Expo supports two of the key aims of the First ASTF Conference; sharing best practice and developing partnerships.
- The Transportation sector includes the movement of people and goods by cars, trucks, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles. The majority of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are CO2 emissions resulting from the combustion of petroleum-based products, like gasoline, in internal combustion engines. The largest sources of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions include passenger cars and light-duty trucks, including sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. These sources account for over half of the emissions from the sector. The remainder of greenhouse gas emissions comes from other modes of transportation, including freight trucks, commercial aircraft, ships, boats, and trains as well as pipelines and lubricants.
- Relatively small amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are emitted during fuel combustion. In addition, a small amount of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions are included in the Transportation sector. These emissions result from the use of mobile air conditioners and refrigerated transport.
