Urban Mobility : FIA calls for action for a sustainable and inclusive transition
Urban mobility stands at a crossroads in the face of the global climate crisis. During the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali, experts called for collective action between governments and private sectors to tackle the challenge of transport-related emissions, which account for 50% of global emissions.
By Emmanuel Kanamugire, in Kigali
The global climate crisis places urban mobility at the heart of environmental challenges. During the FIA General Assemblies, the International Automobile Federation, the global organization that governs motorsport and promotes sustainable mobility and road safety, taking place from December 10 to 13 in Kigali, experts emphasized the urgency of addressing transport-related emissions, which are responsible for 50% of global emissions. A call for collective action was echoed, urging governments and the private sector to join forces in launching a transition towards sustainable and inclusive mobility.
We must invest in sustainable infrastructure and promote electrification, as daily mobility must balance comfort and emission reduction
In this context, Barbara Silva-Rochat, FIA’s sustainability manager for motorsport and mobility, highlighted the importance of strengthened collaboration between governments and the private sector. « We must invest in sustainable infrastructure and promote electrification, as daily mobility must balance comfort and emission reduction, » she affirmed, stressing that innovative solutions are possible if we work together. Electrification of transport is therefore essential to transform the sector while meeting the needs of citizens.
A collective approach for a successful transition
This transformation cannot be achieved without a collective approach. « Each of us has a role to play. By combining our skills and adapting our solutions to local realities, we can rise to this challenge. Cooperation is essential, » she emphasized. It is by joining forces that sustainability can be achieved, particularly in the field of mobility.
Our champions can become ambassadors of change by working hand in hand with governments, universities, and local associations
In this dynamic, Pedro Barros Pereira, director of the Portugal Rally Championship, emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration to drive sustainability forward. For him, « our champions can become ambassadors of change by working hand in hand with governments, universities, and local associations. It is together, leaving no one behind, that this fight must be led. » Transparency and rigor in communicating actions taken are essential to raise awareness and encourage action.
On her part, Johanna Forseke, CEO of Greater Than, reminded that the driver themselves plays a key role in the transformation. « Giving the driver the tools to reduce their ecological impact could, on its own, contribute to a 2% reduction in global transport emissions. This is a power that needs to be harnessed, » she insisted. By placing responsibility on the shoulders of drivers, the transition becomes a more inclusive and accessible process.
An increasing urgency in Africa
Transport-related emissions in Africa are increasing by 7% every year. This increase generates air pollution, which is the second leading cause of mortality on the continent, responsible for nearly 1.1 million premature deaths each year, largely due to diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The situation is even more alarming as, without urgent measures, this trend is likely to worsen.
Rwanda at the forefront
In the face of these challenges, Rwanda is positioning itself as a pioneer. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the country has implemented ambitious measures to promote electric mobility, such as reducing electricity rates for vehicle charging, exempting VAT and import duties for electric vehicles and their components, and requiring only electric motorcycles to be registered for public transport in Kigali starting in 2025. Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, clarified that these measures aim to transform Rwandans’ transport habits, steering them toward safer and more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Additionally, a partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of an ambitious project in 2021 aimed at replacing gasoline-powered motorcycles with electric ones. This program has significantly reduced fuel imports and greenhouse gas emissions.
The impact of these measures is already tangible. According to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the introduction of electric motorcycles has saved 9 billion Rwandan francs (about 8.18 million US dollars) per year while reducing the country’s carbon footprint. Rwanda now has 100,000 electric motorcycles, with 26,000 in Kigali, a model that inspires other African countries to follow this path toward sustainable mobility.
The FIA General Assemblies in Kigali: Promoting constructive dialogue to transform urban mobility
The FIA General Assemblies bring together all member clubs in Kigali to define the future of the Federation. Under the presidency of the FIA President, these strategic meetings will address the budget, the election of leaders, and proposals from the World Councils. These assemblies also aim to unite global initiatives around concrete solutions to reduce transport-related emissions and encourage sustainable practices.
On the same topic : FIA 2024 : Kigali, at the heart of sustainable innovation and motorsport
