3.9 Transportation
71
3.8 Rural-Urban Migrations
Migration is an important factor for economic growth; however, it is also a
major source of pollution when it occurs in large numbers. Notwithstanding,
rural-urban migration can offer opportunities for nature conservation, especially
in regions where deforestation is brought about by subsistence agriculture. The
rural population is usually a key driver of deforestation. Rural-urban migration and
planning concerning land use could favor nature conservation with little effect on
the urban areas. Despite the existence of clear benefits attributed to this form of
migration on the natural ecosystems, migrants may increase socio-environmental
issues within urban areas. It is challenging to make sure that the benefits accrued
in the countryside are not washed away by socio-environmental costs within urban
environments. In other words, rural emigration can contribute substantially to native
forests’ conservation in the absence of any specific policy. Recent land-planning
legislation may also facilitate the protection of forest resources by constraining
future deforestation. The bottom line is that rural-urban migration ensures that the
finite resources left at the local level are used in small quantities. It eliminates the
possibility of the Tragedy of the Commons phenomenon (see Chap. 1) as many
people migrate into urban centers to find suitable and alternative livelihoods. With
a considerable number of people left in the countryside, there could be a possibility
for more responsive and sustainable means of using available resources. However,
quantifying this remains difficult, thus calling for the need for further studies. In
addition, rural-urban migration can strain resources in urban areas via over-reliance
and could stretch them beyond their carrying capacity. This is disastrous to the
fragile ecosystem. Inadequate planning for such a large population could also lead
to adverse health, environmental, and human impacts.
3.9 Transportation
Contemporary modes of transportation have been at the forefront of promoting
environmental pollution and contamination. However, Green transportation has
increasingly been adopted as a way of reversing this trend of pollution. Many people
recognize that existing automobiles lead to excess pollution, which negatively
impacts the environment. As such, Green transportation has emerged as a solution
mainly because it promotes the use of minimal energy (Santos and Ribeiro 2013).
The second role is that they reduce the emission of gases into the atmosphere.
The use of vehicles that run on alternative fuels and advanced technologies
leads to less environmental harm when compared to the contemporary internal
combustion engines. Green transportation also plays a crucial role in encouraging
behaviors that support environmental protection. For example, carpooling is one of
the best ways of Going Green that people can rely on. It reduces costs and minimizes
pollution by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Finally, the reliance
on Green forms of transportation, such as hybrid cars, ensures that they convert
71
3.8 Rural-Urban Migrations
Migration is an important factor for economic growth; however, it is also a
major source of pollution when it occurs in large numbers. Notwithstanding,
rural-urban migration can offer opportunities for nature conservation, especially
in regions where deforestation is brought about by subsistence agriculture. The
rural population is usually a key driver of deforestation. Rural-urban migration and
planning concerning land use could favor nature conservation with little effect on
the urban areas. Despite the existence of clear benefits attributed to this form of
migration on the natural ecosystems, migrants may increase socio-environmental
issues within urban areas. It is challenging to make sure that the benefits accrued
in the countryside are not washed away by socio-environmental costs within urban
environments. In other words, rural emigration can contribute substantially to native
forests’ conservation in the absence of any specific policy. Recent land-planning
legislation may also facilitate the protection of forest resources by constraining
future deforestation. The bottom line is that rural-urban migration ensures that the
finite resources left at the local level are used in small quantities. It eliminates the
possibility of the Tragedy of the Commons phenomenon (see Chap. 1) as many
people migrate into urban centers to find suitable and alternative livelihoods. With
a considerable number of people left in the countryside, there could be a possibility
for more responsive and sustainable means of using available resources. However,
quantifying this remains difficult, thus calling for the need for further studies. In
addition, rural-urban migration can strain resources in urban areas via over-reliance
and could stretch them beyond their carrying capacity. This is disastrous to the
fragile ecosystem. Inadequate planning for such a large population could also lead
to adverse health, environmental, and human impacts.
3.9 Transportation
Contemporary modes of transportation have been at the forefront of promoting
environmental pollution and contamination. However, Green transportation has
increasingly been adopted as a way of reversing this trend of pollution. Many people
recognize that existing automobiles lead to excess pollution, which negatively
impacts the environment. As such, Green transportation has emerged as a solution
mainly because it promotes the use of minimal energy (Santos and Ribeiro 2013).
The second role is that they reduce the emission of gases into the atmosphere.
The use of vehicles that run on alternative fuels and advanced technologies
leads to less environmental harm when compared to the contemporary internal
combustion engines. Green transportation also plays a crucial role in encouraging
behaviors that support environmental protection. For example, carpooling is one of
the best ways of Going Green that people can rely on. It reduces costs and minimizes
pollution by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Finally, the reliance
on Green forms of transportation, such as hybrid cars, ensures that they convert