Study on transport sector emission

Source: This post on Study on transport sector emission has been created based on the article “With high targets, CO2 emissions from transport sector could be slashed up to 71% by 2050: Study”, published in Indian Express on 14^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

A World Resources Institute study recently found that road transport accounts for 90% of the transport sector’s emissions.

Key findings of the study

1. India’s transport sector could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 71 per cent by 2050 if ambitious strategies are implemented across three key areas: electrification, enhancing fuel economy standards, and transitioning to cleaner transportation modes and mobility solutions.

2. Current CO2 Emissions Contribution: The transport sector accounted for 14% of India’s total energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020. Road transport was responsible for 90% of these emissions.

3. Role of Road Transport: Two-wheelers contributed 16%, cars 25%, buses 9%, light-duty freight vehicles (LDVs) 8%, and heavy-duty freight vehicles (HDVs) 45% (the highest share).

4. Electrification’s Impact: Expanding electric vehicle (EV) sales offer significant potential, with an annual reduction of 121 MtCO2e. Complementing transport electrification with decarbonised electricity generation (75% from renewables) could lead to a 75% emissions reduction by 2050.

5. The Consequences of Business as Usual (BAU):  In the absence of ambitious interventions, fossil fuel reliance is expected to continue until 2050. Passenger travel demand is expected to triple and freight travel demand to increase sevenfold from 2020 to 2050.

6. Fuel Consumption Projections: Fossil fuel consumption (LPG, diesel, petrol) could quadruple by 2050 if current trends persist. Railways, aviation, and waterways contribute relatively smaller shares of energy consumption at 6%, 3%, and 1%, respectively.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment