Climate change stands out as one of the biggest challenges of our time. To address this global crisis, the annual COP (Conference of the Parties) summits provide an essential platform for countries, organizations, and individuals. The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 24, 2024. Let’s take a closer look at COP29 and its potential impact on the transportation sector.
What is COP and Why is it Important?
COP (Conference of the Parties) is a UN initiative first held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany, aimed at combating climate change. This conference, which takes place annually in different countries, brings together world leaders, climate scientists, activists, NGOs, private sector representatives, and many other stakeholders. The main goal of the COP summits is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by reducing carbon emissions. This year’s theme for COP29 is increasing financial resources to support developing countries in adapting to climate change.
Transportation and COP29: Sustainability Goals
The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions. Therefore, COP29’s transportation agenda covers a wide range of issues. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure representing Turkey, has stated that they will address topics ranging from environmentally friendly urban transport projects to smart transportation systems.
Turkey's transportation targets for 2035 and 2053 include:
Increasing the number of electric vehicles to 4.2 million and raising the domestic production rate to 75%.
Increasing the share of railways in logistics from 5% to 22%.
Building 7,000 kilometers of new high-speed rail lines.
Additionally, nature-based solutions in urban transportation and sustainable infrastructure projects will be discussed at COP29 for international cooperation.
The Relationship Between Transportation and Climate Change
At COP29, one of the biggest challenges in the transportation sector will be adopting sustainable solutions to achieve zero carbon emissions. The transportation sector accounts for a large portion of global carbon emissions. Vehicles and airplanes running on fossil fuels, maritime shipping, and road transport directly contribute to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which is a key driver of climate change.
One of the most impactful actions in transportation will be transforming urban transport with environmentally friendly infrastructure. Strengthening electric vehicle infrastructure, implementing nature-based solutions, and using smart transportation systems are critical in combating climate change. This transformation not only reduces our environmental impact but also creates a more livable and greener environment in cities. In this way, cities can become both more sustainable and more efficient.
Conclusion
COP29 can be a platform for strengthening international collaborations in the fight against climate change and may serve as a precursor to a significant transformation in the transportation sector. From electric vehicles to green transportation infrastructure, many topics are on the agenda for this year’s conference. Turkey is playing its part in supporting environmentally friendly projects and continuing to engage in international collaborations. The digitalization and sustainability of transportation will be among COP29's greatest achievements for the future.
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