ASIA-PACIFIC economies experiencing unprecedented growth must turn to sustainable transport in the face of climate pressures, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
“Asia and the Pacific has experienced unprecedented motorization growth dominated by road transport demand and road infrastructure development, which are contributing to jobs and economic opportunities and increased regional connectivity,” Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said in a study released on Nov. 4.
“Yet, this has also increased energy use, emissions, and road safety concerns at the same time,” Ms. Alisjahbana, who also serves as executive secretary of the ESCAP added.
In the Philippines, road length grew 6.01% between 2010 and 2020, ESCAP said.
Across the region, it said vehicle registration has increased by 64% over the past decade, with passenger road transport nearly three times the size of rail.
It noted that road and rail freight transport are growing rapidly.
It said growth has been accompanied by a 30% rise in carbon dioxide emissions between 2010 and 2011. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
