The report shows that the transport sector ion G20 countries is far from achieving decarbonization.
Emissions from transport could grow by 60% by 2050 unless more effective policies and targets are implemented.
Actions required include support for low-carbon modes of transport, electrification, elimination of fossil-fuel subsidies, and better integration of policies across sectors.
November 2018: A report on mitigation policies implemented by G20 countries in the transport sector was published jointly by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), REN21, and Agora Verkehrswende. Titled ‘Towards Decrabonising Transport: A 2018 Stocktake on Sectoral Ambition in the G20,’ the report notes that G20 countries are responsible for 80% of global GHG emissions.
The report also notes that the transport sector consumes more than half of global oil demand accounting for 23% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, and transport emissions could increase 60% by 2050 if no mitigation action is taken.
According to the analysis, only three States possess targets for transport emission reduction: Germany, France, and Japan. Furthermore, it suggests that the use of renewable energy must increase to decarbonize the transport sector, noting that only slightly more than 3% of transport energy is supplied by renewable energy compared to a share of 10.4% of overall final energy demand. To do so, the authors call for stronger collaboration between the transport and energy sector noting that electricity from renewable sources provides opportunities to reduce emissions from trains, light rails, trams, and wheeled vehicles.
The report analyzes the role of transport and mobility for achieving multiple SDGs noting that reconciling transport decarbonization and other SDGs is essential to ensure inclusive sustainable development. It then explores the responsibility of G20 countries to lead a global transport transition, since its members are responsible for 74% of global GHG emissions from fuel combustion.
In their analysis of the state of decarbonization, the authors find that G20 countries are a far way off from transitioning to low carbon pathways for transport and that substantial additional reductions are required to achieve emissions reductions in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Actions outlined include: shifting towards less carbon intensive modes of transportation, including public transport, new mobility services and low-carbon freight alternatives; reducing transport demand without compromising mobility, including through improved communication technologies and optimized traffic routing; supporting broader electrification of transport; eliminating fossil fuel subsidies; and supporting closer integration with other sectors.
The publication also contains country fact sheets that provide an overview of the transport sector in each G20 country. [Agora Verkehrswende Press Release] [Ren21 Press Release] [Publication: Towards Decrabonising Transport: A 2018 Stocktake on Sectoral Ambition in the G20]