By Damilola Adeyera
With about 8.7 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2019, representing around 23% of the world’s energy-related CO₂ emissions, transport is a major contributor to global emissions of greenhouse gases.
About 70% of these transport emissions come from road vehicles which run mainly on petrol and diesel. In contrast, battery electric vehicles do not produce any direct exhaust emissions.
Long before climate change became a pressing global issue and environmental sustainability rose to feature prominently in the agenda of governments and policymakers, Otunba OlawanleAkinboboye, had predictively imagined that tourism could be in tandem with nature rather than at odds with it..
We are at present experiencing the natural disasters caused by climate change which have made us much more aware of the situation: heavy and destructive floods, continual droughts, outstanding combinations of weather and temperatures that keep on rising.
Faced with compelling evidence on the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, Otunba Akinboboye made the deliberate decision to phase out reliance on petrol-powered vehicles within the resort and replace them with electric vehicles and shuttles.
“The impact of climate change is unprecedented,” OtunbaAkinboboye said.
“My prayers are with the people of countries that have suffered floods, earthquakes, and other environmental disasters. Many of these tragedies can be reduced if humanity begins to respect nature and take better care of our environemen.”
Speaking further, he explained that the adoption of electric vehicles is part of a broader environmental restoration strategy at La Campagne Tropicana.
“The adoption of electric vehicles and shuttles at La Campagne Tropicana is one of the ways we are working towards restoring balance. These vehicles are virtually noiseless, and their emissions are negligible. For a resort that is home to monkeys, horses, squirrels, and countless singing birds, it is important that we keep the environment free from toxic emissions and excessive noise.”
A veteran in tourism and hospitality, Otunba Akinboboye also believes that the adoption of electric vehicles took into the consideration the health and safety of Guests at the resort.
First, guest don’t have to contend with noise pollution which is quite the norm with traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Also, guests are subjected to inhaling from the emission from the exhaust ofthese vehicles. This allows guests to enjoy the serenity of the resort without disruption.
Beyond the adoption of electric vehicles and shuttles, OtunbaAkinboboye says his masterplan for the resort to one day completely eliminate fuel powered generators for renewable energy like solars, and windmill.
This he has begun implementing as guest rooms are now powered by solar. OtunbaAkinboboye envisages and his working towards a day when the whole resort will be exclusively powered by renewable energy.
“Our goal is clear,” he said.