Emissions impossible? How the transport sector can help make the 2050 net-zero goal a reality

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Conversation or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Canada's transportation sector, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, faces the challenge of meeting the country's net-zero emissions target by 2050
• The sector, responsible for a quarter of all GHG emissions globally, needs a major overhaul to curb its environmental impact, with a particular focus on transitioning to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) like electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles

🔭 The context: Current projections indicate that energy demand and emissions from transportation could double by 2050 without significant intervention 
• Transitioning to AFVs is seen as crucial, with estimates suggesting that 50% of traffic must be AFVs by 2050 to meet the 2°C climate target, and 75-95% by 2030 for the 1.5°C target 
• However, adoption remains low, especially among medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, due to high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The shift towards AFVs and the development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure are essential for reducing the transportation sector's carbon footprint
• This transformation could lead to significant GHG reductions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainability targets

⏭️ What's next: Overcoming the barriers to adopting AFVs in the transportation sector requires a holistic approach, including investments in vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to enhance charging facilities
• Addressing these challenges can pave the way for a sustainable and economically viable transition to a net-zero emissions future

💬 One quote: "Investing in e-trucks can be optimal only if the decision-maker also invests in their own charging infrastructure." - from the 2022 study.

📈 One stat: Electric vehicles made up only 1.2% of all medium- and heavy-duty truck sales in 2022, with the majority of sales in China.

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