World Environment Day 2024 (WED 2024)
NASAC is joining the global community to commemorate the World Environment Day 2024 (WED 2024) under the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.” As the global community faces challenges of climate change and ecological degradation, the need to harmonize efforts in combating land degradation while transitioning towards low-carbon economies becomes increasingly urgent, particularly in regions like Africa where the impacts of environmental degradation are acutely felt. NASAC through its report, co-authored by InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), and titled “Decarbonisation of Transport in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Options,” provides recommendations on how decarbonising road transport is a vital component of mitigating climate change and improving the resilience of land-based transport systems.
The NASAC-IAP report found that the decarbonisation of road transport in Africa can directly contribute to efforts to combat land degradation and enhance resilience to drought and desertification. Sustainable transport infrastructure, such as EV charging stations powered by renewable energy sources, can help reduce the need for further land conversion and infrastructure expansion, thereby preserving ecosystems and protecting against soil erosion. Additionally, promoting mixed-use and compact urban development and efficient land use planning through the application of transit-oriented development (TOD) principles can help minimize land degradation associated with urban sprawl and transportation infrastructure expansion.
Please follow this link to download a copy of the report