Channel NewsAsia 22 Aug 09;
SINGAPORE: Globally, 30 per cent of the greenhouse gases are produced as a result of transport.
In a bid to reduce greenhouse emissions, a local NGO has launched an initiative, called the Green Transport Week, to drive home the message of using public transport and other environmentally friendly vehicles.
On Saturday, 100 cyclists travelled from the east and west coast parks to the Singapore Management University (SMU) city campus for the launch of the Green Transport Week.
The campaign aims to inculcate environmentally friendly transport habits among Singaporeans, particularly the youths.
Its organisers also said they find it a challenge to persuade another segment of the population to give up driving and to take another form of transport.
Howard Shaw, executive director of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), said: "This is a campaign about changing habits and old people are more set in their ways."
On the streets, Channel NewsAsia found Singaporeans with varying knowledge of transport habits that are environmentally friendly.
"A lot of people are encouraged to be green to use public transport as much as possible," one said.
Another added: "It depends. If I am alone, perhaps it would be more environmentally friendly to take public transport. But if we have three or four people, then we'll drive."
To travel one kilometre, a driver will use at least nine times more energy than a passenger travelling by bus or train.
But for those who cannot resist buying cars, they can consider other greener alternatives like CNG-powered, hybrid, and maybe in the future, electric cars.
The SEC is targeting to get some 4,000 individuals and 100 corporations to pledge their commitment to be more environmentally friendly on the event's official website.
- CNA/so
More about the event on the Green Transport Week website and wildsingapore happenings.
