Technology alone will be insufficient to decarbonise transport

Greener Transport Solutions is calling for an urgent re-think on the UK’s transport decarbonisation strategy as it publishes a new report, called Pathways to Net Zero: Building a framework for systemic change.
 
The report concludes that technological solutions will be insufficient to hit net zero in the UK - urgent focus must now be given to traffic reduction.
 
 
It is estimated that we must reduce traffic on our roads of approximately a quarter by 2030 to stay on track for net zero. The Major of London has pledged 27% reduction in car kms by 2030. The Scottish Government has pledged a 20% reduction.  Research for the Green Alliance shows that a reduction in car kms of 20-27% by 2030 will be needed.
 
Reducing car dependency will also be essential to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. UK fuel prices are hitting new records. Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Sunday was 155.62p, above £1.55 per litre for the first time.  The Resolution Foundation says the dramatic increase in global oil and gas prices will push UK inflation above 8% this spring and average incomes across Britain are set to fall by 4% in the coming financial year.
 
The IPCC calculates that 3.3-3.6 billion people, nearly half the world’s population, are already “highly vulnerable” to the impacts of climate change.  Its latest report (published 28.2.22) has been described as ‘an atlas of human suffering’. Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must halve by 2030 to stay within 1.5C.
 
However, after the plunge caused by lockdowns GHG have bounced back and are set to rise strongly this year. Latest figures from the IEA show that carbon emissions rose to their highest levels in history in 2021 after the world rebounded from the Covid pandemic with heavy reliance on fossil fuels.  CO2 emissions linked to energy climbed 6 per cent last year. Transport has the highest reliance on fossil fuels of any sector and accounts for 37% of CO2 emissions from end‐use sectors.
 
Claire Haigh, Founder & CEO of Greener Transport Solutions commented: “At a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty, insecurity of supplies, and escalating fuel and gas prices, it becomes more critical than ever to design policies in a way that avoids unintended consequences and ensures a fair and just transition to net zero.
 
“We need a massive shift to clean technologies, but we must also reduce energy demand. Energy demand reduction supports the three key goals of energy policy: security, affordability and sustainability.
 
“Our climate is heating up at great speed. We have less than a decade to get on track. We cannot rely on technological solutions alone. Traffic reduction will also play a critical role.”