Here are the signs that greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing in Metro Vancouver – Yahoo News Canada

Report on Transportation Emissions and Sustainable Development in Metro Vancouver

Executive Summary

Recent data from Metro Vancouver’s air quality and climate committee indicates a positive trend in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This progress is attributed to shifts in personal mobility, directly supporting the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key factors include increased active transportation, greater public transit utilization, the prevalence of remote work, and a significant uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). While personal mobility remains the primary source of regional GHG emissions and other air pollutants, the observed trends present a hopeful outlook for advancing climate action and creating sustainable communities.

Analysis of Transportation Trends and Contribution to SDGs

The findings, derived from Metro Vancouver’s emissions inventory and TransLink’s 2023 Trip Diary survey, highlight several key areas of progress aligned with global sustainability targets.

Contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Efforts to reduce reliance on personal vehicles are central to building sustainable urban environments and combating climate change. The data reveals a direct impact on these goals.

• Reduced Driving: A general decrease in driving, partly due to an increase in remote work, was the primary factor in lowering emissions. This directly addresses SDG 13 by cutting a major source of GHGs.
• Public Transit Expansion: In 2023, 10% of all regional trips were made by transit. Certain areas saw dramatic increases, supporting SDG 11 by providing accessible and sustainable transport systems.
  1. Langley City: 153% increase in transit trips.
  2. Maple Ridge: 110% increase in transit trips.
  3. Pitt Meadows: 80% increase in transit trips.
• Growth in Active Transport: Cycling trips increased from 1.7% to 2.4% regionally between 2017 and 2024. The use of shared micro-mobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters rose from 4.5% in 2019 to 16% in 2023, fostering a sustainable transport culture as per SDG 11.

Advancements in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

The shift away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles towards active and public transport yields significant health benefits for the population.

• Increased Walking: Several municipalities reported substantial increases in walking trips, promoting physical health and well-being.
  1. Langley City: 106% increase.
  2. City of North Vancouver: 78% increase.
  3. Burnaby: 64% increase.
  4. Vancouver: 29% increase.
• Improved Air Quality: Reduced vehicle emissions lead to a decrease in air pollutants that are harmful to human health, a core target of SDG 3.
• Mental Health and Reduced Congestion: Less time spent in traffic congestion contributes positively to the mental well-being of residents.

Progress on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

The transition to electric mobility and the strategic use of data for planning are key drivers for innovation and clean energy adoption.

• Electric Vehicle Uptake: Metro Vancouver is a North American leader in the adoption of EVs. This shift is a critical driver for future GHG reductions and aligns with SDG 7’s goal of increasing the share of renewable and clean energy.
• Infrastructure Planning: The collected data is made available to regional municipalities to support evidence-based infrastructure planning. This includes the strategic placement of EV charging stations and the development of transit corridors, directly supporting the creation of resilient and innovative infrastructure as outlined in SDG 9.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article connects transportation emissions directly to public health. It states that personal mobility is “a significant source of other air pollutants that directly harm health.” Conversely, it highlights that a reduction in driving and a shift to active transport have “a lot of benefits for communities in terms of physical and mental health.” This directly aligns with ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The entire article is centered on making Metro Vancouver, an urban region, more sustainable. It discusses improving transportation systems by promoting public transit, walking, and cycling. The article mentions “regional growth along transit corridors” and providing data to “support infrastructure planning.” Furthermore, it addresses the environmental impact of the city by focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which is a key aspect of creating sustainable urban environments.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The primary theme of the article is the effort to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It opens by stating there are “hopeful signs that greenhouse gas emissions in the region are decreasing.” The analysis of transportation trends, the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), and the use of a “greenhouse gas-tracking emissions inventory” are all direct actions and measures aimed at mitigating climate change at a regional level.

Specific SDG Targets

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   The article supports this target by highlighting that the decrease in emissions from personal mobility reduces “air pollutants that directly harm health.” The efforts to lower GHG emissions and improve air quality in Metro Vancouver contribute directly to reducing illnesses caused by air pollution.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all…notably by expanding public transport.

   The article details progress toward this target by reporting on the increased use of sustainable transport. It notes a jump in transit trips in areas like Langley City (153% increase) and Maple Ridge (110% increase), a rise in walking trips, and an increase in cycling trips from 1.7% to 2.4% of all trips across the region. The expansion of shared bike, e-bike, and e-scooter options also contributes to this target.

2. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.

   This target is addressed by the article’s central focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary environmental impact discussed. The report from Metro Vancouver’s air quality and climate committee, showing a decrease in emissions, is a direct measure of progress against this target.

SDG 13: Climate Action

1. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The article demonstrates this target being implemented at a regional level. Metro Vancouver’s use of a “greenhouse gas-tracking emissions inventory” and the TransLink “Trip Diary survey” to inform policy and “support infrastructure planning” for municipalities is a clear example of integrating climate change measures into regional planning and strategy.

Implied and Mentioned Indicators

Indicators for Target 3.9 & 11.6

• Overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions: The article’s main point is that “greenhouse gas emissions in the region are decreasing,” as measured by the regional emissions inventory.
• Reduction in other air pollutants: The article implies a reduction in these pollutants as a co-benefit of lower GHG emissions from transportation.

Indicators for Target 11.2

• Modal share of public transit: “10 per cent of all trips in the Metro Vancouver region were made by transit” in 2023.
• Percentage increase in public transit trips: The article provides specific figures, such as a “153 per cent increase in transit trips” in Langley City.
• Percentage increase in walking trips: Data is provided for several cities, including a “78 per cent” rise in North Vancouver City.
• Modal share of cycling: “trips by bike increased from 1.7 per cent to 2.4 per cent across the region” between 2017 and 2024.
• Uptake of shared micro-mobility: “sharing of e-bikes among small personal mobility devices…rose from 4.5 per cent in 2019 to 16 per cent in 2023.”

Indicators for Target 13.2

• Uptake of electric vehicles (EVs): The article highlights the “uptake of EVs in the Metro Vancouver region” as a key factor in emissions reduction and a result of supportive planning.
• Use of data for planning: The existence and use of the “greenhouse gas-tracking emissions inventory” and “Trip Diary survey” to “support infrastructure planning” serve as an indicator of integrated climate policy.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ca.news.yahoo.com