Green transportation is an important part of our society's sustainability efforts. It is a way for us to reduce our environmental impact and make sure that we are not relying on fossil fuels for our transportation needs. Simply, it is the usage of ways in which we as daily commuters use as less gasoline and fossil fuel as possible to transport and move from one location to the other. Green transportation doesn’t only include electric vehicles, however. It also includes other forms of sustainable transport such as public transit, cycling, walking, and carpooling. All of these methods can help reduce emissions while providing affordable alternatives to traditional fuel operated vehicle ownership.
Being more invested into the auto industry, we can see that they have been making strides in green transportation with the introduction of electric vehicles and hybrid cars. After the launch of the full electricity operated four-wheeler by the late 90’s, the electric vehicle market took a tall spike in its curve of growth. These vehicles have the potential to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable environment.
REALITY CHECK!!
Acquired data shows that, in Nepal, while there were around 24,000 vehicles registered by the year 2001, over 780,000 vehicles (two-wheelers and four-wheelers) were registered by the year 2016.
“This shows that the number of vehicles has multiplied by 32 times every year since then.”
Imagine the rate in which these numbers have rapidly multiplied in recent years. An increase in automobiles and vehicles entering the country means not only an increase in CO2 emissions but also increased usage of hydrocarbon/dirty fuel consumption, leakage, and externalities, and mismanagement of e-wastes leading to air, water, soil and sound pollution. The CO2 emissions, leakages and externalities do not only contribute to rapid climate change but also to long-term environmental degradation reaping the multitude of health, psychosocial and economic benefits from a clean environment.
IMPORTANCE OF GREEN TRANSPORTATION!!!
“Green transportation is no longer just an option - it's a necessity in order to protect our environment, promote sustainability, and ensure a healthy future for generations to come.”
Green transportation is becoming increasingly important to the auto industry and society as a whole. It is a necessity in order to help reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment. The usage of vehicles that are powered by renewable energy sources, such as electricity or fuel cell technology, or using more sustainable fuels like biodiesel or ethanol is promoted by the objectives of traveling green. It is essential that we reduce our reliance on traditional vehicles and instead opt for green transportation solutions.
Importance of Green Transportation; specifically an electric vehicle is now the burning topic of the industry. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as they reach a wider market globally. Below we have listed the most crucial points that makes an electric two-wheeler or four-wheeler superior to any other modes of transportation:
● They use electricity to power their motors, which generates zero emissions when compared with gasoline-powered cars or diesel-powered engines that produce large amounts of pollutants like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides when burned.
● Electric Vehicles are also quieter than standard engine models on fuel operated vehicles.
● Electric Vehicles can be recharged in many ways, with a standard outlet or retractable batteries.
● A fully-charged battery can last up to a day and a half of daily driving on average (much more energy efficient). By making green transportation a priority, we can make strides towards sustainability and protecting the environment for future generations. This is not only necessary to reduce the environmental impact of automobile emissions, but also to promote a healthier lifestyle.
WHERE DOES NEPAL LIE?
Nepal has seen a significant improvement in its electric vehicle (EV) market all thanks to the development and growing popularity of renewable energy usage and the gradual increase of electric charging stations all over Nepal. Since the launch of electric vehicles in the Nepali market, it has seen rigorous growth in its consumption and usage especially in the urban cities of Nepal.
“Nepal imported an estimated Rs. 292.77 billion worth petroleum products in 2021.”
The growing usage of electric vehicles could heavily help in reducing the large quantities of petroleum products that are being imported into Nepal used to fuel the fuel operated vehicles. There are many ways in which the government of Nepal has been helping to reform the means of transport and promote green transportation. Policies like the Sustainable Development Goals of Nepal 2017, Climate Change Policy 2019 and Fifteen Periodic Plan of the Government of Nepal have been consistently highlighting the transition from a high carbon economy to a green economy, which is a highly appreciative task. Additionally, the Kathmandu Sustainable Urban Transport Project initiated by the Government of Nepal is expected to provide a sustainable and efficient urban transport system for Kathmandu valley, favoring local economic growth, and addressing climate change and air pollution mitigation.
However, the yearly policies and plans, for example, Budget Speech of 2077, which plays a key role in the implementation of sustainable policies of the Government of Nepal has not accommodated these genuine benefits. The tax exemption of the recent budget policy has heavily levied enormous amounts of excise and custom duties on the import of these electric vehicles tagged as luxury items. The Government of Nepal is unfortunately moving away from their plan to have a clean and green transport system in Kathmandu by the year 2030, envisioned by ICIMOD.
Transportation systems consume about 20% to 25% of the world’s energy and accounts for high carbon dioxide emissions. Use of renewable energy sources help limit the emission of harmful CO2. The Government of Nepal should prioritize subsidizing firms that bring in green technology and use it to prompt green transportation. To actually achieve the tag of a green city, the government's support, the citizens mentality and the users adjustability must all align to make this endeavor possible.