During the last week of the COP26 conference, crucial issues concerning the transportation industry were discussed in order to promote the sustainability of our planet. Here are some highlights from COP26 Transport Day.
- The Glasgow Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans was signed by over 100 national governments, cities, states and major businesses. Pledging to phase out the sale of internal combustion engines by 2040 worldwide.
- Unilever, Amazon, IKEA, Michelin, and four other large corporations have announced that by 2040, all of their ocean freight will be transported by vessels powered by zero-carbon fuel.
“COP26 marks the end of the road for the internal combustion engine. Today we’re seeing significant commitments from manufacturers, investors, fleet operators, countries, cities, states and regions. The voices of the people in the streets at this COP are very clear – there is no more time for delay, or excuses to be made. We need to decarbonise our economies at pace and at scale. Those not at the table on Transport Day are on the wrong side of history.”
Helen Clarkson, CEO of international non-profit, Climate Group
- Over 200 companies spanning the shipping supply chain have committed to expanding and commercialising zero-emission shipping vessels and fuels by 2030, and have called on governments to put the necessary regulations and infrastructure in place by 2050.
- The International Transport Workers’ Federation, the United Nations Global Compact, and the International Chamber of Shipping have teamed up to support workers transitioning to a zero-emission shipping industry.
“For the first time we have a unified target, supported by leading governments and industry, for when new trucks and buses should fully transition to zero-emission technologies. Globally, freight trucks and buses represent about 4% of the on-road fleet globally but are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, and over 70% of nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to local air pollution. This makes trucks and buses a very effective target for fast decarbonization.”
Dr Cristiano Façanha, Global Director of CALSTART
- The Clydebank Declaration was signed by 19 nations in support of zero-emission shipping routes, with the goal of establishing at least six zero-emission maritime corridors by 2025.
- 28 shipping and wind energy businesses joined together to establish Operation Zero. They agreed to work together to decarbonize operations and maintenance vessels in the North Sea offshore wind industry, with the goal of deploying zero-emission operations and maintenance vessels in the region by 2025.
“Our work with influential actors across the transport system through Race to Zero and RouteZero has shown that the transition to zero emission mobility and transport is inevitable, and through collaborative global action, accelerating. We have the technology to make clean road transport a reality and today it’s clear we have the willpower to do it in the next decade.”
Nigel Topping, COP26 High Level Climate Champion.
- Over 80 aviation industry businesses and large corporate customers are now seeking to increase green fuel use to 10% of global jet fuel demand by 2030. This would reduce 60 million tonnes of CO2 each year while also providing 300,000 new green jobs.
More information and resources on COP26 Transport Day can be found at: https://ukcop26.org/transport/
