WINDHOEK, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, officially launched Zero Emissions Week 2025 on Monday to raise awareness about climate change, sustainable mobility, and the benefits of reducing emissions.
The weeklong event features various activities, including an electric vehicle exhibition, an environmental video awareness competition, cycling gear giveaways, a corporate trivia challenge, and a city-wide Car-Free Day.
With these initiatives, Windhoek is seeking to lead by example, making sustainable mobility and clean energy a reality for its residents.
In his welcoming remarks, Pierre van Rensburg, strategic executive for urban and transport planning at the City of Windhoek, emphasized that Zero Emissions Week is not about following international trends but about addressing practical challenges facing the city, including transport-related emissions, congestion, and urban air quality.
Transport contributes a significant 25 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, with vehicles accounting for 70 percent, according to van Rensburg.
He encouraged residents to envision a future with sustainable transport and adopt greener alternatives like public transport, cycling, and walking.
As part of the initiative, the municipality also inaugurated its first electric vehicle charging station, which would help normalize electric mobility and expand EV infrastructure across the city.
Ndeshihafela Larandja, mayor of Windhoek, said this milestone reflects the city's commitment to climate-resilient development, sustainable mobility, and reducing its carbon footprint. ■
