GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Environment Conservation
Source: NITI Aayog
Context: NITI Aayog released the “Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023″ report to support global discussions on sustainable transport during India’s G20 presidency.
What is Decarbonising Transport?
Decarbonising Transport refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
Examples: Promoting electric vehicles, using alternative fuels, improving energy efficiency, and investing in public transport and active mobility.
Status of emission from the transport sector:
- As of 2021, the transport sector in India contributes to around 14-15% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Within the transport sector, road transport contributes to more than 90% of the total CO2 emissions.
- India has the target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Key Highlights of the Report:
- India has still no overall emissions or energy targets for the transport sector
- India’s transport-sector emissions could increase 65% by 2030 and 197% by 2050 (from 2020 levels)
- Contributors: Road > Rail transport
Recommendations of the Report:
The success of “Decarbonising Transport” rests on both a “mobility transition” and an “energy transition in transport”.
| Recommendation | Explanation | Example |
| 1. Increase Reliance on Zero-Carbon Electricity | The transition towards using renewable energy sources for powering transport. | Installing more charging stations for electric vehicles and promoting the use of renewable energy in public transportation systems. |
| 2. Market Ramp-Up of Power-to-X Fuels | Develop and invest in the production of carbon-neutral alternatives for energy-dense fuels used in long-haul aviation and maritime shipping. | G20 countries collaborating to fund research and development of power-to-X fuel production techniques and facilities. |
| 3. Eliminate Fossil-Fuel Subsidies | Phase out subsidies that favour carbon-intensive transport modes, redirecting resources towards sustainable alternatives. | Ending subsidies on gasoline prices and reallocating the saved funds to improve public transportation infrastructure and support EV adoption. |
| 4. “Avoid, Shift, Improve” strategy | It focuses on three main actions: avoiding unnecessary trips, shifting to more sustainable modes of transport, and improving the energy efficiency of vehicles and transportation systems. | Many companies are adopting remote work options for their employees |
Initiatives taken by India:
- Bharat Stage VI Emission Standards
- Forum for Decarbonizing Transport in India by NITI Aayog and WRI India
- FAME India (part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan)
- National Electric Mobility Mission Plan
- Incentives under the Production Linked Incentive scheme
- Decarbonising Transport initiative of the ITF:Promotes carbon-neutral mobility to help stop climate change.
Conclusion:
India needs to have a comprehensive policy to decarbonize the transport sector to meet its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) i.e., reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030
Insta Links:
Decarbonizing Transport Project
Mains Links:
Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of decarbonizing the transport sector in India. (10M)
