Watch the event here.
(The event is organized in collaboration with ITF and Slocat as focal point for transport under Marrakesh Partnership)
Background
The transportation sector, encompassing aviation, maritime shipping, and road transport, is the most reliant on fossil fuels of any other end-use sectors.[1] In 2021, 22% of fossil fuels, or 55% of oil products went to the transport sector.[2] Since 1990, carbon dioxide emissions from transportation have soared by more than 70%, with the sector now contributing nearly one quarter of global fossil fuel-related CO₂ emissions. This demonstrated the need for the sector to reduce its emissions to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Reducing emissions in the transport sector implies a rapid shift to electricity, low-emission fuels, low-carbon modes, and effective transport demand management. This underscores the critical importance of transitioning to low and zero-emission transport solutions through different pathways that consider all technologies on the table and cater to national circumstances.
The first global stocktake recognizes the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5 °C pathways and calls on Parties to contribute to global efforts, in a nationally determined manner, taking into account the Paris Agreement and their different national circumstances, pathways and approaches, for accelerating the reduction of emissions from road transport on a range of pathways, including through development of infrastructure and rapid deployment of zero and low-emission vehicles.[3]
Achieving this transition demands a concerted global effort to address energy and resource efficiency challenges within the transport sector. Collaboration across sectors is essential to enact the policies and investments required to reshape the road transportation industry. Embracing net zero-emission transport is crucial to meet the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement, as reaffirmed by the outcomes of the initial Global Stocktake.
Leaders in both the public and private sectors of emerging economies are already seizing opportunities to adopt low and zero emission transport technologies, aiming to create local jobs, reduce pollution, and strengthen their position in the global supply chain. Supporting leadership by sharing experiences and best practices for effective policy and regulations planning, informed by assessments, will be pivotal in efforts to reduce the emissions in the transport sector. Additionally, increasing investment in research and development for clean fuels and sustainable and low carbon fuels can expedite the transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives in maritime shipping and aviation.
Objective of the event
The event aims to brief policy makers, practitioners, stakeholders and participants in general, on positive and negative social, economic and environmental impacts arising from, and the economic, technological, and environmental obstacles faced by the transition to low- and zero-emission transport technologies, focusing on land transport technologies, through sharing of experience and practices that have been undertaken by different countries or actors.
With the opportunities and solutions presented by these technologies and how challenges arising from them having been addressed, the event is expected to motivate decision makers, at national and local level, to deploy these technologies, therefore accelerate climate actions, taking into account their unique circumstances, as an effort to offer more ambitious NDCs to achieve the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.
Agenda
The event will be moderated by Olivia Wessendorff, Advisor to the ITF Secretary General at the OECD, Sustainable Transport and Global Outreach.
Opening
Opening by Ghanim Hableel, COP 28 Presidency
Session 1: Keynote address
The session will set the context for the event by briefly presenting data on emissions from different sub-sectors of transport sector and different options available for technologies and modal shift; Some key socioeconomic and environmental challenges and opportunities arising from low-emissions transport technologies (from some studies).
Session 2: Journeying Beyond Emissions: Understanding the full scope of zero and low-emission transport technologies
During the session, countries, experts, and practitioners will come together to share their insights and success regarding managing the impacts arising from the development and production of low-emission transport technologies. The deployment of these innovative technologies brings a range of outcomes, both intended and unintended. While the technologies promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat air pollution, and promote sustainable mobility, their manufacturing process may also present environmental challenges, from resource extraction to distribution. Additionally, the socioeconomic implications, including shifts in employment trends and global trade dynamics, which require careful consideration. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these effect, the trade-offs, and exploring them collaboratively, we can pave the way towards a more environmentally sustainable future while proactively addressing any associated challenges. Interventions during this session will touch upon a few of these aspects, such as:
- Economic impacts of the production of new technologies, including industrial transition and reskilling of workers, particularly the shift from internal combustion engine to electric vehicle manufacturing industries within established automotive markets; Economic impacts of the development of new industries in markets that have the potential to be leaders in new technologies.
- Environmental considerations of production of new technologies, including sustainable and responsible mining practices for raw earth materials for EV batteries, optimizing land use and other ecological considerations for biofuel production.
- Impacts on energy sector from different technologies, including renewable energy requirements for the production of electro fuels.
- Crosscutting elements such as gender, youth, local communities.
Panelists:
- Bernt Reitan Jenssen, Ruter, Oslo, Norway (experience with managing public transport, including electric-based vehicles)
- Pedro Ivo Ferraz da Silva, Brazil
- Ruth do Cuotto, UNEP
- Angelina Mensah, Ghana
- Marietta Harjono, the Dutch Human Environment Inspectorate
Session 3: Charting the green path: exploring co-benefits, ecological and social dynamics of low-emission transport projects
The session will feature the sharing of experiences from countries, experts, practitioners who have leveraged the availability and readiness of zero and low-emissions technologies to establish integrated transportation systems, aiming to achieve sustainable development goals. Through insightful discussions and case studies, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of sustainable transportation planning and implementation, exploring both the positive and negative implications for people and the planet. This session will also explore the impacts of the use of different zero and low emission technologies, aiding decision-making on prioritizing technologies to support delivery of wider transport and sustainable development goals. Interventions during this session will address several aspects, such as:
- Developing and executing sustainable mobility projects addressing broader impacts, including: integrating modal shifts with technological advancements (e.g., walking, cycling, public transport); ensuring accessibility by considering affordability across income levels and regions; engaging stakeholder, especially informal transport workers; import export dynamics, notably for used vehicles.
- Promoting policy coherence across multiple sectors. Additionally, the exchange of insights will encompass overarching themes like gender equality, youth involvement, and community engagement.
- Discussing health impacts associated with different technologies, including air pollution and road safety.
Panelists:
- Ambrosio Yobánolo del Real, Technology Executive Committee
- Philip Turner, Advocacy and Engagement Director of SLOCAT and Head of Sustainable Development at UITP
- David Waskow, World Resources Institute
- Amer Alamer, Saudi Arabia
- Kishan Kumarsingh, Trinidad and Tobago
- John Mark Mwanika, Programs Officer-Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union, Chair Urban Transport Committee
Session 4: Open dialogue
The session will provide space for Parties and others to reflect on the interventions made in previous sessions and/or share their own experience on the topics under the previous sessions
Session 5: Closing
Closing remarks by Elchin Allahverdiyev, COP29 Presidency