In the recently released blog article -through a cooperation between Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Transport Outlook (ATO) - Jamie Leather (ADB), and Sudhir Gota (ATO) highlighted six key steps to embed transport deeper into decarbonization efforts.
Asia and the Pacific face a critical challenge in decarbonizing transport as emissions rise rapidly, threatening global climate goals. Transport emissions in the region grew 6.6% last year, contributing 40% of global transport emissions—matching Europe and North America combined. Despite advances in e-mobility and reducing fossil fuel subsidies, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure, weak public transport, and slow renewable energy adoption.
The Aichi 2030 Declaration, signed by 21 Asian countries, offers a pathway to cap emissions by 2030 and foster sustainable transport. The region’s developing transport systems provide a unique opportunity to build efficient, climate-friendly infrastructure like electric buses, high-speed rail, and cycling networks, avoiding outdated technologies.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement must prioritize transport decarbonization. Many NDCs lack clear targets, particularly for freight, and fail to align with national policies, hindering sustainable transport adoption. Strengthening these plans can unlock financing and foster resilience to climate impacts.
Among the six vital actions identified in the blog, promoting electric vehicles (EVs) stands out as a crucial priority. A key step is to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and adopt clear targets for EV adoption. As electric mobility plays an essential role in decarbonizing transport, these strategies will be central to the region’s efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and reduce emissions. This focus on EVs aligns with the broader objective of fostering sustainable urban mobility and improving air quality across the region.
In addition to EV adoption, other crucial measures include:
Expanding public transport - Investing in efficient and accessible public transport systems will reduce reliance on private vehicles, with a focus on prioritizing infrastructure in Nationally Determined Contributions.
Building institutional capacity - Bolster expertise and capacity to implement transport policies is essential for aligning national goals with climate commitments.
Innovative financing mechanisms - To address financing challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries, innovative solutions like public-private partnerships and green bonds are vital for supporting decarbonization efforts.
By prioritizing transport in climate strategies, Asia and the Pacific can lead global efforts to achieve a net-zero world. Further details of the blog can be found here.
