Potential threats linked to climate change compel us to drastically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To even have a chance of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C requires that global emissions reach net-zero as soon as possible. The EU can play a leading role in this transition with ambitious targets and policies. The transport sector accounted for 27% of EU emissions in 2017 and is the only sector that has seen emissions increase since 1990.
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New research produced by Climact and New Climate Institute explores a future where the European transport sector is decarbonised by 2040 without relying on biofuels. This work is intended to offer a roadmap for decision-makers to pursue a transition consistent with the magnitude and speed prescribed by the scientific community. It examines the intermediary targets required; it highlights and discusses some of the key technological, industrial and economic risks, challenges and benefits associated with these profound efforts; it recommends a set of policy packages that need to be implemented.
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Demand-side measures (such as modal shift or utilisation rate increase) are essential to facilitate the transition by reducing the scale of deployment of new technologies to challenging but plausible levels. In order for the supply side to contribute at the scale needed, current efforts also need to be scaled up quickly. Supporting innovation and enabling the massive deployment of new technologies will be key to achieving zero emissions.