Latin America is taking decisive actions to tackle climate change, focusing on transforming its transportation sector, which is responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions in the region.
Cities such as Quito, La Paz, Bogotá and Godoy Cruz are leading initiatives that seek to reduce emissions and promote a cleaner and more efficient mobility. Through innovative projects such as the electric metro in Quito, the cable car in La Paz, electric buses in Bogotá and the “Ítem Bici” program in Godoy Cruz, the regions demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and improvment in the quality of urban life.
The 100% electric Quito metro is one of the Ecuadorian capital's main bets on sustainable public transport. Inaugurated in 2022, the project has not only reduced emissions of polluting gases, but has also facilitated connectivity between the different sectors of the city, reducing travel times and improving the mobility of its citizens. In addition, the implementation of this metro has generated direct and indirect jobs, boosting local economic development and promoting a more efficient city model that is less dependent on private transport.
In La Paz, the cable car system is a prominent example of how innovation can be adapted to the geographical characteristics of the city. This system, which operates on solar energy, connects different urban areas, improving the mobility of more than 200 000 people a day. Its design has made it possible to reduce vehicle congestion and carbon emissions, generating a positive environmental impact and providing an accessible and efficient transport alternative.
For its part, Bogotá has made progress in the electrification of its public transport system through the incorporation of electric buses. This measure has modernized the transport infrastructure of the Colombian capital, reducing polluting emissions in one of the cities with the highest population density in the region. Electric buses not only contribute to a better air quality, but also optimize the user experience, being quieter and more comfortable vehicles.
In Argentina, the "Ítem Bici" program implemented in Godoy Cruz is an initiative that encourages the use of bicycles as a means of transport for municipal employees. This program has succeeded in decreasing dependence on private vehicles, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing carbon emissions. In addition, the implementation of safe bike lanes and incentive programs have allowed more citizens to adopt the bicycle as their main means of transportation.
At the regional level, other initiatives are also being developed such as the creation of infrastructures for electric vehicles, the implementation of environmental tolls and the promotion of the use of renewable energies in public transport. These measures seek to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable mobility, contributing to the reduction of air pollution and the fulfillment of the commitments made by Latin American countries in international agreements on climate change.
The climate crisis has generated a sense of urgency in Latin America to restructure its transport systems. The commitment to sustainable solutions not only has a direct impact on reducing emissions, but also improves public health and generates economic benefits by reducing operating costs and dependence on fossil fuels. Investments in technology, green infrastructure and public policies are critical to ensuring that these innovations are sustainable and contribute to a more inclusive and efficient urban development.