Current Overview
Transport is the world’s second-fastest-growing source of GHG emissions after industry. In 2021, the transportation sector was responsible for 14 % of direct global GHG emissions, emitting approximately 8.1 GtCO2.
In order to reduce CO2 emissions and meet Paris-aligned targets, some changes in this sector will be required. Generally speaking, services, jobs, and goods need to be closer to the city’s residents to avoid some motorized travel altogether. Fossil-fueled vehicles must be replaced by electric ones and shift from individual to shared, collective, or active transport modes, such as public transportation, walking, and cycling. Cities need to be transformed and redeveloped to have more rapid transit, bike lanes, facilities for safe, comfortable walking, and restrictions on polluting motor vehicles. Ships and planes must be decarbonized, by demand-reduction strategies and clean fuels. Mobility access must be increased, mainly in places where active and public modes are low, caused by poor infrastructure.
A multifaceted approach and significant changes in urban mobility are needed to achieve net-zero emissions in transportation by 2030 and sustain it through 2050. The goals for both 2030 and 2050 area;
2030
Electrification: It is essential to transition from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) for public and private transportation. In this way, governments should encourage EVs by changing the infrastructure and adopting renewable sources of energy to power them.
Public Transportation: Increasing and enlarging the public transportation systems can diminish GHG emissions by providing substitutes for private vehicles. Public transportation should be prioritized, by making them more accessible and affordable.
Active Transportation: The government should promote more environmentally friendly modes of, such as walking and cycling by enhancing and increasing bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways, and creating safe zones for non-motorized transport.
Shared Mobility: Shared modes of transportation, for example, carpooling, and shared mobility platforms reduce the number of vehicles on the road and consequently diminish GHG emissions. Governments should implement policies to support this type of transportation as well as the development of innovative solutions in transportation.
Urban Planning: Redesign the cities to reduce the need for long-distance travel to access amenities. The zoning regulations should favor crowded, walkable areas with easy access to public transport.
2050
Complete Electrification: By 2050, the entirety of the transportation sector should shift towards electric vehicles, not only public transportation but also private vehicles. Key to enabling this transition will be the advances in the technology of batteries and renewable energy infrastructure.
Autonomous Vehicles: Autonomous driving technology has the potential to enhance transportation efficiency, minimize traffic, and reduce emissions by improving route selection and vehicle coordination. Nonetheless, it is imperative to guarantee the electrification of these vehicles and their integration into shared mobility networks.
Smart Infrastructure: Deploying smart transportation systems leveraging data analytics, AI, and IoT sensors to enhance urban mobility sustainability by optimizing traffic flow, lowering energy usage, and enhancing safety.
Active-Transit Integration: By 2050, cities must emphasize even more on active transportation modes like walking and cycling, extensive networks of pedestrian pathways, cycle lanes, and greenways. Seamless integration with public transit systems will ensure efficient multi-modal journeys.
Policy and Behavioral Changes: Sustained policy backing for eco-friendly transportation, including measures like carbon pricing, congestion charges, and incentives for zero-emission vehicles, remains crucial. Moreover, cultivating a cultural change that values sustainability and prioritizing collective well-being over individual convenience is indispensable for long-term success.
The Diagram
The diagram summarizes the goals for 2050 for transportation, showing a 15 minutes walkable city.
