The World Bank recently issued grants to further green technology and research in Mexico, Brazil, and beyond. The regional project aims to reduce private vehicle use; create incentives for public and nonmotorized transport; improve transport planning; decrease carbon dioxide-equivalent tons emitted by ground transport; and increase the number of cities that are integrating environment and climate change components in their transportation policies.In an effort to improve health and air conditions, the Global Environment Facility was approved of a $13 million grant by the World Bank. While sustainable transportation remains an issue in various areas of the world, Mexico and Brazil have pledged to decrease carbon emissions from transportation, which consists of 18% of all greenhouse emissions. The project includes decreasing private vehicle usage and carbon emissions, improving transport planning, and creating incentives. In addition, the Mexican government agrees to supply the additional $31 million for this extensive project, which will last four years and be completed by December 2013. The World Bank will work with the Global Environment Facility to provide grants for other countries, while supporting the project to spread the clean air implementation.

By Tiffany Teng. Tiffany can be reached at  teng3@tcnj.edu.