Currents News Staff
According to the United Nations, traditional transport annually emits about eight gigatons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, a figure that could double by 2040 and accelerate climate change.
One state promoting initiatives to reduce air pollution is the smallest in the world: the Vatican.
Within the Vatican State, 12 charging towers for electric cars have already been installed.
“Following the spirit of papal encyclicals, the Vatican began to equip itself with electric cars. The Vatican has signed an agreement with Enel X to provide us with a network of electric charging columns,” said Roberto Mignucci, the Vatican’s Technical Director.
By the end of the year, he expects that around 20 of these columns will have been installed inside the state.
The 22 kilowatt charging stations allow up to two cars to be recharged at the same time. It’s use is simple: present a card and connect the vehicle to the column.
“This is a very important initiative. It is the forerunner of a great project that includes the use of electric cars throughout the Vatican, only electric,” Mignucci added.
Very soon Pope Francis could be riding in an electric popemobile, like the one he used on his trip to Colombia.
This initiative is a way to help materialize the content popes have written about on care of the environment.
“John Paul II already referred to the care of creation, a message ratified by Pope Benedict XVI and, finishing with Laudato si’. We begin to combine all the works. We are covering everything at 360 degrees, not only concerned about pollution generated by cars, but also a whole series of systems with energy and water conservation, photovoltage, etc.,” Mignucci explained.
For many, these initiatives in a territory of 108 acres does not represent a significant impact. However, like a small drop water in the middle of the ocean, the Vatican wants to be a pioneer among the countries of the world.