Energy Efficiency in the Time of Covid-19: Action on transport urban infrastructure and impacts to support social and economic recovery in Latin America

Around the world, the Covid-19 crisis is driving policymakers to grapple with a public health emergency while simultaneously devising social and economic relief and recovery strategies. It is clear that governments have a strong role to play in providing economic relief to the most vulnerable, in stemming the economic downturn while protecting public health, and in devising ways to stimulate economies in the near-term and over the next 1-2 years of economic recovery.

This webinar focuses on modal shift to walking and cycling in cities in response to Covid-19. This is also be the first webinar of several to address this topic in emerging economies around the world.

Many cities are taking advantage of the current low levels of urban transport due to the Covid-19 crisis to upgrade and construct cycling and walking infrastructure. If the world were to implement the cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities available today, energy demand could be reduced by 15% in 2040 and the transport sector (38%) accounts for the largest share of future energy savings.

The webinar looks at action being taken on urban infrastructure due to the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis. It explores how social distancing and modal shift has resulted in new walk and cycle infrastructure. Coverage of schemes includes, where possible, levels of investment, infrastructure km built and job creation opportunities. The discussion addresses steps to ensure successful implementation, including engagement with stakeholders. It looks at ways to understand and quantify impacts in terms of distance cycled and health benefits, including data collection needs and approaches.

Municipal and local governments are often responsible for local infrastructure and thus can be key drivers of efficiency action which has impacts at the national level, particularly in the context of economic stimulus and air quality objectives. The webinar serves to exchange experience and ideas across the region and to collectively identify strategies and opportunities to leverage energy efficiency as a critical tool in economic relief and recovery.

The webinar begins with a presentation by Alison Pridmore, transport policy analyst at the IEA, followed by perspectives from municipalities in the Latin America region.

The webinar will feature an introduction by the IEA followed by a discussion, with presentations by:

• Alison Pridmore, Transport Policy Analyst. International Energy Agency
• Ilan Cuperstein, Deputy Regional Director for Latin America Regions. C40 Cities
• Dino Buzzi, Operational Manager of Urban Mobility Experience, Subsecretaría de Planificación de la Movilidad. City of Buenos Aires
• Rodrigo Díaz, Undersecretary of Planning, Policies and Regulation, Secretaría de Movilidad. Mexico City