9 December 2015: In its analysis of all intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) submitted as of 12 November 2015, the Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT) found that 77% of the 133 INDCs, representing 160 countries, name transport as a sector with mitigation potential. Over 61% list specific mitigation measures for the sector, with the more than 200 proposed measures largely focusing on passenger transport.

Noting that INDCs constitute the first time that Parties to the UNFCCC are submitting commitments for mitigation and adaptation at the sectoral level, SLoCaT’s report identifies INDC formulation as a unique opportunity to increase mitigation and adaptation ambition in the transport and other sectors. While transport was largely associated with mitigation measures in the INDCs studied, the report found that 17% of INDCs did include transport among adaptation measures in general terms. SLoCaT underlines that adaptation measures in the transport sector can ensure the long-term success of mitigation investments.

Of the 89% of INDCs that pinpoint specific transport modes for emissions reductions, 86% single out urban transport measures, according to the report. The findings further reveal that other strategies, such as high speed rail and walking/cycling were rarely referred to, at 2% and 12%, respectively. SLoCaT notes that freight is responsible for 40% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but was only mentioned in 31% of the INDCs outlining transport measures.

Looking at differences among high- and middle/low-income countries, the study finds that the former largely focus on fuel efficiency, decarbonizing fuel, fuel economy standards and e-mobility, while the latter prioritize public transport improvements, import restrictions based on vehicle age and instruments to improve fleet fuel efficiency.

The report was published under the auspices of the Paris Process on Mobility and Climate (PPMC), a joint initiative of SLoCaT and the Michelin Challenge Bibendum.

The SLoCaT Partnership on Sustainable Transport is a multi-stakeholder partnership of over 90 organizations, representing UN organizations, multilateral and bilateral development organizations, NGOs and foundations, academia and the business sector. [IISD RS Story on SLoCaT’s Preliminary Analysis of INDCs] [SLoCaT Press Release] [PPMC Press Release] [Publication: INDCs Offer Opportunities for Ambitious Action on Transport and Climate Change] [IISD RS Policy Update on INDCs]