The transport sector is responsible for consuming more than 50% of the global oil demand and contributes to approximately a quarter of energy-related CO2 emissions. Moreover, it’s the fastest-growing emissions sector. Research suggests that if something isn’t done to minimize transport emissions, this number could be twofold by 2050.
As a result, it’s more important than ever before to decarbonize transport, especially if we want to reduce the impact of global warming. However, one big challenge with this is that consumers need to be a part of the movement. The decarbonizing of transport requires individuals, business leaders, shipping company managers, etc., to make important purchasing and behavioral decisions that will cut emissions.
Ultimately, it’s essential to get everyone on board with this movement in order to save the planet.
Alternative modes of transport
Electric vehicles (EVs) have a very big role to play in decarbonizing transport. They are more efficient and use cleaner fuel than conventional vehicles, and also reduce carbon emissions. Tesla is the company at the forefront of electric cars powered by lithium-ion batteries, but several traditional automakers have also entered the market with EVs.
However, it’s not just cars that are entering the era of electrification. In many countries, especially across Asia, it’s much more common to find electrified two-wheeled vehicles like scooters and mopeds.
Personal transport isn’t the only area of transport experiencing increased electrification. Medium and heavy trucking, as well as other forms of heavy ground transportation, like buses, also have an important part to play in decarbonizing transport.
Alternative fuels
Electric vehicles may be leading the race to remake the light vehicle fleet, but alternative fuels also have great potential. This is especially true for vehicle types that are more difficult to electrify, such as heavy-duty trucks.
While cars, two-wheeled vehicles, and even city buses can all be recharged at central locations, longer distances and heavier loads are faced with more challenges when it comes to electrification. For example, the weight of the battery and the need for very high power (for fast charging) make it difficult to install battery power in heavy-duty trucks.
Therefore, alternative fuels that have lower emissions than fossil fuels can be incredibly useful. However, the development of these types of fuels is still in the very early stages, so it may still be quite a few years before we see this take full effect. That said, electro fuel (fuel made from renewable energy) is showing a lot of promise and could significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
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