Crowdsourcing innovation is a powerful approach that can help solve complex problems by leveraging the collective intelligence of a large and diverse group of people. One area where crowdsourcing innovation is particularly important is in the field of transportation. The global transport system currently accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which continue to grow, and to limit global warming to 1.5C, we need to drastically reduce emissions and spark the necessary change for the planet. Here are five major shifts that, if achieved together, could help reduce emissions:
- Guarantee Reliable Access to Safe and Modern Mobility: Transportation systems must be safe, modern, and center around improving health. For example, expanding the infrastructure around public transportation systems with dedicated walkways or bike paths will not only combat vehicular congestion and reduce air pollution, but will also encourage more physical activity such as walking, cycling or using scooters. A safer system will also prevent crashes and death associated with vehicle travel.
- Reduce Avoidable Vehicle and Air Travel: The switch from internal combustion to low- and zero-carbon technologies is vital but also unlikely to happen fast enough to decarbonize the entire transportation sector at the necessary speed and scale. Therefore, in parallel with the electrification process, we must also change the way we move around by limiting the most carbon-intensive forms of transportation, such as cars and airplanes.
- Make Transportation Affordable and Accessible to All: Transportation systems must also be affordable and accessible to all. Some cities are already working to tackle these challenges. For example, the city of Peshawar, Pakistan, recently launched a bus rapid transit system that addresses common issues facing cisgender and transgender women as well as people with disabilities on public transit.
- Reduce Freight Emissions: To reduce freight emissions, we need to find new solutions to decarbonize shipping and aviation, which are also crucial. This includes using clean fuels, improving energy efficiency, and adopting new technologies.
- Use Digitalization to Create a More Efficient Transportation System: Digitalization can help create a more efficient transportation system by optimizing routes and reducing congestion. For example, the use of real-time data can help improve the accuracy of arrival times and reduce wait times, while the use of autonomous vehicles can reduce the need for drivers and increase safety.
Overall, crowdsourcing innovation can help accelerate progress towards a sustainable and low-carbon transportation system. By involving a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and policymakers, we can create a more inclusive and effective approach to transportation that benefits everyone.