More than 40 partners and supporting organisations join ITF for kick-off at global summit of transport ministers The International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD today officially launched a major global initiative towards carbon-free transport. Transport activity currently contributes 23% of global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, with the share expected to rise.
“The COP 21 Paris Agreement created a political pathway for global CO2 mitigation efforts. The key is to close the gaps between commitments and delivery. It is now up to the transport sector to demonstrate how carbon-free mobility can be achieved. That is why we are launching today the Decarbonising Transport project”, said SecretaryGeneral José Viegas at the project inauguration event during the Annual Summit of transport ministers in Leipzig, Germany.
“This is a very ambitious project. But ambition is what the world needs to stop climate change. Ambition is also something that has characterised the transport sector throughout its long history of innovation. Our challenge is to reduce transport CO2 without sacrificing the access and opportunities offered by transport, keeping our societies together and making our economies turn,“ said Viegas.
The Decarbonising Transport project aims to:
- Provide a common assessment tool based on a comprehensive modelling framework supported by dialogue with key stakeholders. This is essential for “clarity, transparency and understanding” of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions as required in the Paris Agreement for carbon emissions. This approach will enable the ITF and its partners to evaluate the impacts of different sets of measures on carbon reduction.
- Enable countries and other stakeholders to translate roadmaps into actions that deliver results grounded in quantitative data.
- Support actions to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals along with the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
The Decarbonising Transport project is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including private sector companies, multilateral development banks, intergovernmental organisations, sector associations, NGOs and research institutions. It is anchored in the ITF’s Corporate Partnership Board, the organisation’s platform for discussions with the private sector. “The inclusive nature of this project is a central feature and key factor for success of this project,” said Viegas. “It makes me proud that in only four months more than 40 partners and supporting organisations are committing to bringing knowledge, data, networks and financial contributions to the Decarbonising Transport project. I welcome other organisations, companies and institutions to join.
Original source: ITF
