Sustainable travel has created a buzz that can make you feel guilty when booking a flight or exploring new communities. Guess what? You are not alone. Three-quarters of all greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation energy sources. How could we ignore the need to keep our planet safe while moving from one place to another?
This is why we have listed some great ways to travel sustainably without negatively impacting the community you visit. Here are five sustainable travel modes of transportation that leave little or no carbon footprint in 2024.
5 Green Transport Mode for Sustainable Travel
Train Speaks Sustainable Travel
The need for trains as a mode of transportation can’t be overemphasised, especially in the discussion of sustainable travel. When you choose to travel via train, you emit less carbon compared to other sophisticated modes of transport. With many trains turning to electricity as a source of energy, trains stand out as a perfect mode of transportation for sustainable tourism. Its movement allows you to experience the beauty of different natural landscapes and connects you to a scenic view of places you might not get to see on a plane. Amidst many things, the light pollution and reduction of congestion make it a go-to option.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Everyone who has explored different cities using electric vehicles can attest to the amusement that comes with it. Think about cruising down scenic highways in near silence, knowing your journey is powered by electricity instead of nasty fossil fuels. That’s screaming sustainable transportation. You should test drive an EV on your next trip, the feeling is evergreen. Whether renting an EV for a week-long getaway or simply city-hop, the experience is incredibly efficient and green for exploration.
EV’s contribution to sustainable travel by eliminating carbon footprints explains why many African countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are invested in it. Many countries around the World are creating policies that support the development of these vehicles. Charging stations are now available in many countries than ever, beating the fear of power shortage. Even better, many cities worldwide are replacing public transportation with electric buses, reducing carbon emissions. And if you’re all about short-distance travel, electric scooters have become a trending, eco-friendly way to zip through cities.
Bikes
One of the best ways to explore different cities without negatively impacting their balance is through cycling. It’s no news that bikes emit zero carbon, which is why they stand out in any sustainable transportation conversations. Many African cities, such as Johannesburg, have developed great initiatives and programmes that promote bike renting for travellers. If you are a cycling enthusiast, this will brighten your trip. With either a traditional bike or an electric bike, you will navigate rural regions with less access to public transport.
Aside from eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, its health and social benefits make it an exceptional option for sustainable travel. This mode of transport puts you first and ensures that you leave the community you visit better.
Public Buses
According to the United Nations climate report, public buses are a great way to reduce climate change. Compared to private cars, public buses are cost-effective and also a way to learn more about diverse cultures. They reduce carbon emissions by two-thirds considering each passenger. What other way can you learn more about the culture of the place you visit on your next sustainable trip?
Climate and development goals have made some African countries invest in sustainable public transport. Amongst these countries, Rwanda introduced solar bus systems. With solar and electric buses, the carbon footprint of both tourists and indigenes is reduced to the nearest minimum. This move will also reduce the number of private cars, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Walking and Local Transport
Walking tours are one of the great sustainable ways to approach the culture and nature of many African countries. Eco-lodges or national parks often support walking tours that minimise travel-related environmental impacts while showing visitors the entire power of the landscape. Walking while on tour does benefit the community you visit by greatly reducing your carbon footprint. The effects of walking also extend to keeping you in shape and in good health.
Locally available modes of transport, such as tuk-tuks, donkey carts, and shared taxis, may be equally sustainable, provided their operations are well-regulated. For example, electric tuk-tuks replace gasoline-powered ones to reduce emissions in cities and areas with high tourist traffic. Most importantly, this helps support the local economy and create culturally sensitive and environmentally aware travel.
Challenges of Sustainable Transportation
Many countries are opening their doors to different greener transportation options, but there’s a need for more. This need for more requires urgent attention for sustainable transportation to reach more places. The Infrastructure gaps, such as non-widespread electric vehicle charging stations and inadequate public transportation in rural areas, can keep the going tough in implementing green travel solutions.
But all these challenges also mean opportunities for investment and growth. Whenever you invest in government-private partnerships and infrastructure development and support renewable energy uses, you contribute to sustainable transport. International support and participation in global green energy initiatives will quicken the pace of eco-friendly travel across Africa.
Conclusion
Sustainable transportation is crucial to sustainable travel. Prioritising sustainability will benefit nature and preserve cultural heritage. Traditional transportation has damaged our planet for so long, this explains the effort we need to put into sustainable transport. It’s required that even as we practise sustainable travel, we pay attention to our mode of transportation. This will help keep our planet in a safe space.
Whenever you use eco-friendly transport modes, such as electric vehicles, public transit, and bicycles, you have contributed to the development of sustainable transportation. This way, we can have more companies investing in sustainable transportation. So far, scaling up sustainable transport initiatives across the continent has highly involved governments, companies, and communities. We need this trend to continue to overcome the challenges faced by sustainable transportation. As a responsible tourist, your conscious choices of transportation are the key to a more sustainable tourism sector in all continents.
