Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain

This report was produced by the UK Department for Transport, a member of IPFA.

In November, the UK will host the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) in Glasgow. At this meeting, almost every country in the world will be represented. They will decide whether to deliver and whether humanity takes what many believe to be its last best chance to get runaway climate change under control. As the president and host of the conference, the UK’s intentions and commitments will significantly affect the chances of an ambitious global deal.

Transport is the largest contributor to UK domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, responsible for 27% in 2019. International aviation and shipping are not included in this figure. Domestic GHG emissions from transport have been broadly flat for the last 30 years, even as those of other sectors have declined. Better engine efficiency has been made up for by increasing numbers of journeys; the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles has been made up for by the growth in diesel and petrol SUVs. This report discusses a step-change in the breadth and scale of the UK ambition on transport emissions to reach net zero. The measures we use to decarbonise transport must also deliver the vast wider benefits available during this change, improving air quality, noise, health, reducing congestion, and delivering high-quality jobs and growth for everyone right across the UK. The need to limit global warming to well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to limit to 1.5°C means the UK Government is committed to moving as far, and as fast, as possible. This is about the pace of change as well as the destination.