New modelling from Monash University‘s Climateworks Centre demonstrates that Australia can bolster its efforts to reduce transport emissions by adopting a diverse suite of solutions, rather than relying solely on electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
The analysis calls for a shift in how governments plan and fund transport initiatives to put emissions reductions at the forefront.
“Developing a credible plan to reduce transport emissions requires a shift in the way governments at all levels plan and fund transport — putting emissions reductions at the heart,” said Helen Rowe, Climateworks Transport Program Lead.
The Climateworks report, titled Decarbonising Australia’s transport sector: Diverse solutions for a credible emissions reduction plan, examines what a credible decarbonisation plan for Australia’s transport sector could entail, going beyond just promoting EVs.
The goal is to reduce emissions while ensuring efficient movement of people and goods, creating a resilient transport system.
“As transport emissions continue to ramp up, now is the time to be diversifying solutions, rather than placing our eggs in the one basket,” Rowe stated.
“This includes incorporating ‘mode shift’ — shifting the way we move people and goods to more sustainable modes — and reducing some unnecessary trips, for example through making freight deliveries more efficient.”
Lily Rau, the report’s lead author, warned against taking a technology-only approach focused primarily on EVs.
“Without a more diversified approach, Australia’s transport sector could miss the window of opportunity to stay aligned with the 1.5 degree Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement,” she said.
Rau emphasised the benefits of a diverse solutions approach, stating: “It can pick up the emissions reductions slack if Australia’s zero-emissions vehicle uptake is not rapid enough.
“If uptake accelerates, having a range of transport solutions will help deepen emissions reductions further for the entire sector and Australia more broadly.”
Based on the modelling, Climateworks recommends that the Australian government:
- Implement a portfolio of solutions beyond EVs to avoid a single point of failure.
- Take every opportunity to increase zero-emissions vehicle uptake from current levels.
- Consider additional benefits beyond emissions reduction when assessing decarbonisation approaches.
The report defines a ‘credible’ plan as one that supports the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit, achieves better outcomes for the transport system, and utilises the globally recognised Avoid, Shift, and Improve (ASI) framework for transport decarbonisation.
The Australian government is currently developing national sector plans, including one for Transport and infrastructure, and is seeking submissions to inform this plan.
