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Washington D.C., December 09- Transport is a crucial sector for sustainable development. When done right, transport can help expand economic opportunities and contribute to poverty reduction. However, rapid motorization is leading to congested cities, air pollution, accidents and rapid increases in greenhouse gas emissions – especially in developing countries – with global emissions from transport projected to increase 50% by 2030.
During GEF-6, the GEF will provide US$210 million to a new program to address low emission development needs at the city level. Transport has significant climate change mitigation potential. Increased cooperation and investments are needed to develop sustainable transport solutions in developing countries to protect human health, improve economic growth and address climate change.
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Projects eligible for support under this GEF program may include:
- Design and implementation of sustainable urban strategies, policies, and regulations combining energy efficiency (buildings, lighting, air conditioning, transport), renewable energy development (solar, wind), and other sources of GHG emissions (solid waste and wastewater management);
- Land use management, planning, and zoning, including the integration of land use;
- Innovative policies and mechanisms for freight and logistics services with the engagement of the private sector;
- Urban sustainable transport infrastructure and systems that reduce demand for car travel, including road and parking policies and pricing, zoning and street/urban design codes, and congestion pricing.
GEF support for energy-efficient, low-carbon transport makes a critical contribution to socio-economic development and energy security. GEF projects already underway improve access to affordable, efficient transport and public infrastructure for local communities and promote low-carbon urban design.
To date, the GEF has invested US$293 million in sustainable transport globally, leveraging US$3.2 billion and resulting in reductions of GHG emissions of more than 190 million tons of CO2. GEF projects are underway in 90 cities around the world, creating a sustained impact in the transport sector and making a positive contribution in the lives of people every day by reducing local air pollution and traffic congestion.
The Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) in Chile
Recently, the Chilean Congress approved a tax reform that dictates carbon taxation of new car purchases based on Nitrogen oxide (NOx) (heavy) and Field Electron (FE) (lighter) emissions, according to Fuel Economy labeling information. The reform also includes a "green tax," a US$5 tax per ton of CO2 emitted from thermal power plants.
This was a direct result of the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) Chile Pilot project, funded by the GEF and implemented by UNEP. The GFEI launched in March 2009 to create awareness about potential fuel and cost savings for vehicles manufactured and sold worldwide. The project also offers direction and support in the development of strategies to foment the introduction of low consumption vehicles.
To encourage fuel economy improvement for vehicles and maximize the ensuing benefits, Chile has voluntarily committed to 20% reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, based on 2007 levels. The GFEI project activities will continue to support vehicle efficiency improvements in Chile, closing the CO2 emission gap with more developed countries like Japan and those in the European Union.
Contact:
Ms. Patrizia Cocca
Comunication Officer
Phone: +1 202-458-0234
E-mail: pcocca@thegef.org
