27th June 2025
Developing countries need not only sustainable, affordable energy, they also need sustainable, affordable and efficient means of transport. As the United Nations reports:-
“Sustainable transport also makes countries more economically resilient. In a world increasingly shaped by volatile energy prices and inflationary pressure, clean transport systems offer greater long-term stability. Electrified public transport, shared mobility services, and efficient logistics across land, water and air are becoming increasingly cost-effective, with costs continuing to fall as technologies advance and markets mature. Moreover, well-planned networks improve access to jobs, healthcare and education, particularly for women, youth, people with disabilities and underserved communities, while also lowering operating costs. Although upfront investments can be high, electrified and efficient transport systems reduce energy use, cut traffic-related expenses, create new jobs and generate public health savings. Therefore, these investments have the potential to pay for themselves in the medium term.” (1)
When globally transport counts for 13.7 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable is transport is also good for everyone. But switching to – or even making the initial investment in – sustainable transport comes with a financial tag which may be beyond the reach of developing countries – especially those who are already paying high interest rates on existing international loans. Yet in many situations, the markets are designed to favour fossil fuels, with oil and gas companies receiving considerable subsidies that ensure the initial cost of these fuels remains relatively low.
The United Nations research suggests that fossil fuel subsidies, both explicit (direct public spending) and implicit (externalities like the effects of climate change or premature deaths caused by air pollution), reached US$7 trillion in 2022 – this included public money that went directly to fossil fuel producers and the public money spent indirectly covering the health service costs incurred because of air pollution and other public costs arising because of the adverse effects of climate change.
The continued marketing of fossil fuel products – especially to those in developing countries – is push for increased climate disaster.
The Green Tau 