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https://theconversation.com/slow-train-coming-only-a-genuine-shift-to-rail-will-put-nz-on-track-to-reduce-emissions-211662>
"Both the Labour government and the opposition National Party have now released
major transport polices that put the emphasis on maintaining and expanding
roads.
The cost and priority of various projects will clearly be an election issue.
But at the heart of the debate lies an inconvenient truth about climate change:
encouraging road transport while needing to reduce carbon emissions simply does
not add up.
We can see this tension in transport agency Waka Kotahi’s own policy
statements: road safety and better travel options on the one hand, addressing
sustainability on the other. But transport is responsible for 17% of New
Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, road vehicle use has been increasing, as has the popularity of
larger cars and SUVs that create more emissions per kilometre. Road congestion
has become worse, with the popular response being to expand road capacity.
Hence the present government’s recently announced plans for a second harbour
crossing in Auckland involving two road tunnels. And the main thrust of
National’s Transport for the Future policy is on more urban and intercity
roads. Both Labour and National favour a second Mount Victoria tunnel in
Wellington.
In the background sits the government’s Rail Plan, which sets out the “vision
and priorities for rail over the next decade and beyond”. But given the clear
need for New Zealand’s transport policies to change, the planned improvements
need to be on a fast track."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
