IN just a matter of one month, we had temperatures rising to the high 40s to 50s, which was never heard before, and then we experienced heavier rains than usual at the start of the rainy season. Our energy policy-makers even blamed the rising temperatures for the power outages, allegedly because of so many air conditioners running on full capacity. Whether this is true or not, it just goes to show that global warming is real and we are now experiencing its adverse effects. We need to do something about it immediately and not just plan for the long term.
The Philippines is one of the more vulnerable countries seen suffering the impacts of climate change. Recently, the government announced that it was revising its target to cut greenhouse emissions by 75 percent by 2030 as part of our commitment to the Paris agreement. This will be in the form of nationally determined contributions, mostly in the transport sector, which contributes a third of GHG emissions in the country. Currently being implemented by the government is the public transport modernization that includes the push for clean energy public transport vehicles. On the private transport side, what could have been instrumental in pushing for cleaner air was the shelved mandatory roadworthiness testing of all vehicles. There is also the proposed policy on embracing electric vehicles, but that is taking its time in the legislature.
In the meantime, an area that could be implemented now would be to limit the ownership of private vehicles. Currently, there is no limit to the number of vehicles one can own so long as one can afford them. Although there were calls from previous administrations to implement this, it was a politically sensitive policy to undertake. This was primarily due to the lack of public transport available and the imposition of motor vehicle reduction program, or more popularly known as the “number coding” as a traffic decongestion measure. Middle-income families normally have two to three vehicles, notwithstanding their lack of parking space, just to address their transport needs.
But this is a good time to revive such discussions. While the problem of public transport still remains to be fully resolved, the pandemic has somewhat softened the environment for such discussion on vehicle ownership barriers to be revived. One, private vehicle usage has gone down with more office work and schoolwork being done at home. MMDA estimates that present traffic is still half of its numbers before the pandemic. This, despite the continuing suspension of the motor vehicle reduction program or the number coding. Two, the push for micro-mobility as a viable alternative transport mode has escalated, with many people turning to biking, e-scooter use and even walking. This will continue to grow with the government’s efforts to build more bikeways and green lanes. Three, the infrastructure and transport programs of the government that commenced at the beginning of this administration will soon be completed. This will lead to a more efficient commuting with pre-determined schedules and more predictive nature, further lessening the time needed to be on the road.
What are some of the ways to limit car ownership? The most practical one would be equating ownership to garage availability. Only those with proof of parking space would be allowed ownership of vehicles. This would discourage curbside parking that contributes to traffic. There are proposed legislations that can now be reviewed and hastened. Another way would be to do vehicle ownership classification, somewhat similar to gun ownership. One can either just be a regular owner or a collector of several private vehicles. Collectors would be allowed to buy more cars, but with significantly higher registration fees.
In other countries like Singapore, car ownership is even acquired through an auction, precisely to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. We need not be too drastic on this. But we also need to do something about this problem. There are too many private vehicles crowding our roads and they contribute substantially to our GHG emissions. Reducing their number on the road can be one way that private individuals can help make our overall efforts to fight climate change succeed. It is now high time to review our private vehicle ownership policies.
The author can be reached via his e-mail: thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu
1 comment
Agree, no parking space available, NO CAR! There should be assigned areas on the streets that parking may be allowed but for a fee/rental. That’s what they do in some countries. As well, we should redesign our streets and pedestrians to encourage walking and biking. Plant more trees/plants for shade. Study the feasibility of share a bike in
places such as Makati, BGC, Alabang, Greenhills, & Ortigas CBD. Make shower/bath facilities available in offices so bikers and those who walk can refresh themselves before work.