In the recent “Resh Hour” show with Reshma Ragoonath, the Minister of Transport, Kenneth Bryan, said he wanted to go green with the country’s public transportation future.  If executed correctly, Bryan’s vision could go hand-in-hand with the spirit of the vision of the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, possibly helping to address UN sustainable goals on health (SD3), affordable & clean energy (SDG 7), industry innovation and infrastructure (SD9), climate action (SD13) and partnerships (SD 17).

SD 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages

Specifically, sustainable development goal 3.9 relates to the harmful effects of hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.  Bryan’s idea for the use of fleets of electric buses for public transport may fit well into this sustainable development goal, especially if it results in the purchase of buses equipped with low emissions technologies. In particular, Bryan may wish to explore ‘soot-free’ engine technology which, according to the UN Environment Programme, may result in reductions in toxic air pollution. As a cherry on the top, Bryan may wish to encourage his colleagues to pass a Clean Air Act, which will make stakeholders accountable for emissions that stakeholder activities may cause to be released into Cayman’s air.

SD 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Sustainable development goal 7.b relates to the expansion of infrastructure and upgrading technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for small island developing states, in accordance with their respective programmes of support.