The capital hosts sustainable transport conference
Bogota’s TransMilenio network drew the attention of over 350 international and local leaders last week.
From August 10-12, the city acted as global host for a three-day conference on sustainable transport.
The conference was a follow-up to Rio+20, a sustainable development summit hosted by the United Nations in Rio in 2012.
Rio+20 aimed to unite delegates from across the world to set concrete goals on development and poverty reduction.
The latest discussions tracked progress on transportation and environmental initiatives over the past two years, and summit attendees shared their experiences in efficient use of resources, transport and sustainable mobility, and sustainable tourism.
Bogota is one of the biggest sulfur dioxide (diesel) polluters in Latin America, but the introduction of the TransMilenio system has contributed to the reduction of 283 million tons of CO2 emissions, reports said.
This, along with the roll out of 50 electric taxis in the city, a fleet of hybrid buses, and a commitment to using clean technologies has positioned Bogota “as a model city for transport,” it was reported.
By Madeleine Elder
