To help improve air quality in some of the world's largest and fastest-growing cities, Caterpillar Inc. has announced that the Caterpillar Foundation is contributing $7.5 million to support the World Resources Institute's
(WRI) Center for Transport and the Environment, known as EMBARQ.
Working with local governments and leaders, EMBARQ develops environmentally and financially sustainable solutions to urban transport problems, addressing issues of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion and safety. Key to these solutions is replacing outdated equipment and retrofitting existing buses with modern diesel technology, areas where Caterpillar has significant expertise.
"Caterpillar is committed to using its strength and resources to improve the lives of people around the world, and we're pleased to help support the EMBARQ initiative," said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens. "We are confident that the partnership with WRI and Shell Foundation will significantly contribute to an improved environment in the world's fastest growing urban areas by reducing emissions arising from public transportation."
The Caterpillar donation, and the renewal by the Shell Foundation of its initial $7.5 million investment, will form the core of a $43 million philanthropic investment to scale up efforts to meet the sustainable mobility needs of cities across the world. These funds will be used to support engineering and transportation planning, architectural and design services, communications and transportation management and other services.