Geographical perspectives on transport sector decarbonisation

Session Conveyors

Craig Morton (Loughborough University – c.morton@lboro.ac.uk)

Kate Pangbourne (University of Leeds – k.j.pangbourne@leeds.ac.uk)

Abstract

If the target to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees is to be met, considerable transformations in the transport sector will be required before the end of the decade. To date, countries of the global north have achieved limited progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. The lack of progress is particularly acute in the case of water and airborne travel, with some limited success visible in terms of surface transport.

The theories and techniques available in the field of geography can help shape the debate on how a step-change in progress on decarbonising the transport sector can occur out to 2030. This session provides an opportunity for researchers to discuss solutions to this problem that have the potential to deliver substantial cuts in the sector’s emissions inventory. Research conducted on any of the main sub-divisions of transport (i.e., surface, maritime, and aviation) is suitable. The following list provides examples of appropriate topics, though any work with a substantive geographic component on transport decarbonisation is applicable:

‒ Land use analysis (e.g. sustainable travel practices, transport planning, accessibility)

‒ Transport networks and vehicles (e.g. network simulation and operation, infrastructures, fleet modelling)

‒ Emissions modelling (e.g. sector simulations, carbon accounting, life cycle analysis)

‒ Behaviour analysis (e.g. mode choice, habits, corporate decisions)

‒ Policy development (e.g. vehicle access restrictions, carbon trading, vehicle mandates, feebates)

Keywords: Climate change mitigation, transport systems, environmental sustainability, human mobility

Session Delivery (either in-person or virtual): In-person

Session Format (e.g. papers, panel, discussion, workshop, or something else): Papers

Number of required timeslots (1 or 2): 1