Oman vigorously promotes low-carbon transportation

Muscat: Governments around the world are increasingly adopting low-carbon transport strategies, and the Sultanate of Oman is actively participating in these efforts.

Oman has set ambitious national targets to combat climate change, with a directive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The target is part of a broader strategy to improve environmental performance and is included in the Oman Vision 2040.

The vision outlines several preventative measures, including promoting electric vehicles, using hydrogen fuel cells in long-distance trucking, and adopting biofuels.

Oman is promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by providing incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies and developing charging infrastructure. In addition, the government is gradually converting its fleet to EVs to set an example and drive the development of the EV market.

Hydrogen fuel cells are being explored as a viable solution for long-distance transport due to their high energy density and fast refuelling times, with investments in R&D to improve hydrogen production and storage technologies. Biofuels made from organic materials are being integrated into the transport sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Oman is also exploring the production of biofuels from local resources, thereby supporting local industries and reducing import reliance.

Oman vigorously promotes low-carbon transportation

In addition to technological advancements, behavioral changes are also crucial to reducing carbon footprints. Oman is investing in public transportation infrastructure, such as bus and metro systems, to make them more efficient and convenient. Public awareness campaigns are also being carried out to encourage people to use public transportation instead of private cars. In addition, car-sharing programs are being promoted through shared mobility services, regulations, and incentives to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and encourage ride-sharing.

For decades, global warming and the ensuing climate change have posed major challenges to our planet, leading to serious disruptions in environmental, climatic, social and economic systems.

All kinds of human activities contribute to the problem, chief among them being the increase in carbon emissions. Notably, the global transport sector accounts for nearly a quarter of global CO2 emissions, with land transport alone accounting for 75% of these emissions.