The theme for Earth Day 2022 is ‘’Invest in Our Planet,'' providing an opportunity for businesses, governments, and individuals to focus their attention on developing solutions for the Climate Crisis.
The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report states that global carbon emissions must peak by 2025 – at the latest – to avoid the most devastating effects of Global Warming. In the coming years, we must drastically cut carbon emissions to prevent these harms.
At Bleeper, we believe that the benefits of investing in our planet are more than just environmental. With over 800 public bikes operating in Dublin, we are proud to be reducing the number of cars on the streets of Dublin and supporting a circular economy.
People-focused mobility
Adapting to the challenges of Climate Change does not always mean making sacrifices.
Building cities around people, not cars, means creating more engaging urban spaces where children can play, friends can eat and drink and people can gather. Take, for example, streets which were blocked off to cars for al fresco dining during the pandemic—showcasing what is possible when we prioritise humans over cars.
Reducing the number of motorised vehicles on the street also improves air quality and reduces noise, making streets safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists.
Active travel has a number of health benefits—alleviating stress, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving muscle strength. On the other hand, the sedentary lifestyle promoted by a car dominant culture can lead to adverse health effects, anxiety and social isolation.
In 2020, ‘’the transportation sector accounted for 17.9% of Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas emissions.’’ Furthermore, road transportation accounted for 94%of transport emissions in the same year. Therefore, transitioning to sustainable modes of transportation is necessary for meeting our decarbonisation targets.
As Hildegarde Naughton, the Minister of State for the Department of Transport has stated, ''the benefits [of sustainable mobility] are not just environmental.’’ While we work to reduce our carbon footprint, we are also making our society safer, healthier, and happier. This gives us even more reason to #InvestInOurPlanet.
