In the race against climate change, reducing the carbon footprint of transport has become a top priority. Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector already account for 20% of the world’s total, and could increase by 60% over the next 30 years in the absence of rapid and decisive action.
The good news is that many of the policies and technologies that are needed to decarbonize transport already exist. Whether it be promoting mass transit, cycling, and walking, investing in electric vehicles and sustainable fuels, or rethinking the way we design our cities, there are many ways we can start decreasing the climate impact of transport.
Most of the investment and research toward sustainable transport, however, is currently directed toward high-income markets. The World Bank has been working closely with its clients to buck the trend and develop climate-smart transport approaches that are relevant to the context of developing countries, where transport emissions have been rising the fastest.
The reports and events below aim to provide an overview of this work, capture the latest thinking on transport decarbonization, and showcase some of the most innovative solutions for #MovingtoZero.
Research
The Economics of E-Mobility for Passenger Transportation
- Download the full report
- Explore the key findings
- Press release: New Research: Economic Viability of Electric Vehicles is Strong and Improving in Many Developing Countries
- Blog: In developing countries, the e-mobility revolution is closer than you might think (Riccardo Puliti, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank)
- Podcast: The Economics of EVs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (Nicolas Peltier-Thiberge, Global Director for Transport, World Bank)
The Role of Rail in Decarbonizing Transport in Developing Countries
Railways have an important role in reducing transport emissions, while also supporting economic development and increased mobility. Structured around the avoid–shift–improve framework, this report provides a systematic review of potential contributions that railways can make to development and climate goals.
The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Decarbonizing Air Transport
- Download the full report
- Decarbonizing air transport: Sustainable aviation fuels are vital for growth (blog)
Events
Watch the replay: Innovations in Rail Transport toward Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (Nov. 17)
Read more and watch the replay.
Watch the replay: Global Trade of Used Vehicles and Motorization Management in Africa (Nov.16)
Read more and watch the replay.
Watch the replay: Financing the Transition to Climate-friendly & Inclusive Transport (Nov. 11)