Challenge Bibendum - Reducing CO2 emissions to mitigate climate change

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Home Understanding sustainable mobility Challenges Reducing CO2 emissions to mitigate climate change

Reducing CO2 emissions to mitigate climate change

05-6-2010 by Challenge Bibendum

Resume:
To adapt to a world in change with all its attendant challenges and uncertainties we must redefine the way we live. The road transport industry is no exception.

Global warming and climate change are now high on the world’s agenda

Ever since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 awareness of climate change has been growing. The Copenhagen Conference (COP3) in December 2009 demonstrated a shift in attitudes and a new more consensual approach to forging a post Kyoto agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. To keep the temperature rise to below 2°C the target is to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% To allow for growth in emerging economies this will require an 80% reduction from developed nations. International bodies, governments, business and local authorities are taking the lead to mitigate climate change. And this includes the automobile sector sorely tried by the economic downturn. It is emerging restructured and focused with new roadmaps and strategies to follow a carbon-free trajectory.

The transport sector’s global carbon footprint: facts and conjecture

The hard facts today and some predictions in italics are
The global fleet numbers 7-800 million vehicles; tripled to 2/3 billion
This fleet is 98% dependent on oil;
60% of today’s oil production is consumed by transport-related uses; 75% in 2050 in a BAU scenario
The transport sector produces 24% of global CO₂ emissions; 30% by 2050 in a BAU scenario

The predictions for 2050, tomorrow’s world, are conjecture. They clearly indicate that the world has to change. Whether we are sceptical of the predictions or not, the industry’s current footprint is sufficient to convince stakeholders that what counts is what we do next. Mitigation and adaptation are urgent.

Enabling growth in mobility without accelerating climate change

Lower carbon options are available. We can improve fuel efficiency by up to 50% using cost-effective technologies that are already on the market. We can abate transport CO₂ emissions by moving to electricity, hydrogen and advanced biofuels. We can shift more travel to the most efficient modes. Significant investment and funding will be needed along with strong policies and effective implementation. We have the means to act now and make dramatic reductions in CO₂ emissions by 2050.

Concerted global action: now

Countries will need to work together, and with a range of stakeholders, to ensure everyone moves in the same direction. And since the vast majority of growth in travel, energy use and CO₂ will occur in non-OECD countries, these countries will need to be part of the solution. They will also share in the very important benefits that a sustainable, low CO₂ transport future can provide.

> Read and download Greenfleet's Sustainable Transport Guide

Categories: Biofuels - Climate change - Emissions - Sustainable mobility

Keywords: CO2 - Environment - greenhouse gas - hydrogen - ozone - - Transportation