Was it in 2022 when Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a hazardous 430? Or in 2021, when research revealed that 128,000 Pakistanis die annually due to air pollution? Perhaps it was even earlier when millions suffered from acute respiratory infections linked to indoor pollution. While the question of when Pakistan should have acted remains debatable, one thing is clear—immediate action is needed now. The country must address the root causes of air pollution and channel climate finance into sustainable public transport solutions.
The Primary Culprit: Private Vehicle Emissions
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s air pollution, responsible for 28% of carbon emissions in 2021. The rapid increase in personal vehicles, fueled by easy credit and bank loans, has exacerbated the problem. In the last two decades:
- The number of motorcycles and scooters surged by 928%.
- Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) saw a 725% increase.
- By 2012, private road and freight vehicles accounted for 95% of transport emissions.
- Without intervention, transport emissions are projected to rise 119% over the next decade.
The Solution: Expanding Public Transport
A developed society isn’t defined by how many poor people own cars but by how many wealthy individuals rely on public transport. Here’s why investing in public transport is crucial:
- A single private car emits 180g of CO2 per kilometer, while a fully occupied bus emits 650g of CO2 per kilometer, significantly reducing per-person emissions.
- Buses consume less road space per commuter, reducing traffic congestion.
- Efficient public transport systems enhance mobility and improve urban air quality.
Green BRT: A Step in the Right Direction
Pakistan has been slow to prioritize public transport, but progress is being made. The Green Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Karachi, launched with approval from the Green Climate Fund in 2018, is a significant step forward.
- Total Investment: $583.5 million
- Funding Sources: $442 million from international financial institutions (ADB), $11.8 million from the Green Climate Fund
- Objective: Provide an efficient, zero-emission public transit system
However, concerns arise regarding the financial sustainability of such projects. Public transport rarely turns a profit and typically requires ongoing subsidies. Pakistan must develop a viable repayment strategy to avoid burdening future generations with unsustainable debt.
Global Success Stories: Public Transport’s Role in Reducing Emissions
Several countries have successfully leveraged public transport to reduce air pollution and improve mobility.
- Dhaka’s Metro Rail: Funded with a $757 million loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency, it is expected to transport 1.3 million passengers daily and cut carbon emissions by 500,000 tons annually.
- Lagos’ BRT System: Built with $50 million from the World Bank and $100 million in climate finance from France, this system has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and decreased travel time by 40%.
What Pakistan Must Do Next
To combat air pollution effectively, Pakistan needs a two-pronged approach:
- Scale up public transport infrastructure through increased climate finance and policy incentives.
- Subsidize the production and adoption of electric motorbikes to replace the ever-growing fleet of traditional scooters and motorcycles.
As Gustavo Petro once said, “A developed society is not one where the poor have cars, but one where the rich use public transport.” Pakistan has an opportunity to create cleaner, more livable cities by prioritizing sustainable transit systems. Investing in public transport is not just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic and social imperative.