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Transport and logistics routes to net zero

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) believes that net zero can be achieved by 2050 through a range of measures recommended to government and others in its latest report, Routes to Net-Zero 2050: 2020 Year End Summary. The report includes 21 recommendations for action covering all transport modes and activities.

Kevin Richardson, Chief Executive, CILT (UK), says: ‘Transport accounts for 28% of UK carbon emissions and, despite the downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, transport emissions will grow with recovery unless action is taken. Government is clearly the key player, but industry, organisations and individuals are also urged to take action, and we believe there is plenty to be achieved, starting today.’

Recommendations for government include:

  • Taking an international leadership role in the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the G7.
  • Setting carbon budgets for the transport sector.
  • Mandating the use of sustainable fuel.
  • Continuing to incentivise the take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) through grants and other incentives.
  • Setting a clear, long-term policy that taxation will be aligned to decarbonisation, resource efficiency and levelling up, including the replacement of fuel duty and vehicle tax by road pricing, and a review of Air Passenger Duty.

 
Local government is recommended to play its part by implementing policies in ways that suit their circumstances, including rolling out schemes for electric bikes, ensuring new developments include vehicle charging points, and preparing active travel plans.

Meanwhile, the report calls for transport providers to implement decarbonisation schemes, some of which will require either direct government funding, support, or collaboration with industry, such as:

  • Home delivery providers should move to all-electric fleets by 2030.
  • A rolling programme of rail electrification to enable the end of diesel-only traction by 2040.
  • A trial of electric aircraft on short domestic routes.
  • Campaigning to persuade people of the benefits of public transport.

 Industry and academia are the key players in research and development, and CILT’s recommends that they continue to develop innovative transport decarbonisation technologies, ranging from apps to massive industrial projects to produce hydrogen and sustainable fuels, and to remove greenhouse gases. It also calls for sufficient, affordable green electricity to be available when and where it is needed.

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