Can Transport Deliver GHG Reductions at Scale? An Analysis of Global Transport Initiatives

This research paper evaluates seven global transport initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using the 'Global Calculator' tool to assess their potential impact relative to the IEA 6 degree scenario.

• The analyzed global transport initiatives are considered very ambitious and, if implemented, would result in a 3.7 percent reduction in global energy-related emissions by the year 2050.
• Mode-shifting to rail or public transport offers the highest potential for emissions reduction, up to 2.42 percent, although this would require a very high level of effort. These shifts would generate significant cost savings by reducing infrastructure needs and the number of vehicles purchased.
• Specific initiatives for light-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and airplane efficiency show emissions reduction potentials of 0.67 percent and 0.10 percent, respectively, relative to their sector size.
• The effectiveness of electric vehicle initiatives is highly dependent on the carbon intensity of the electricity grid, which is in turn influenced by total energy demand across all sectors.
• The current initiatives fail to set targets for critical emission reduction opportunities, specifically the reduction of total travel demand and emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Can Transport Deliver GHG Reductions at Scale? An Analysis of Global Transport Initiatives. https://www.wri.org/research/can-transport-deliver-ghg-reductions-scale-analysis-global-transport-initiatives

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Can Transport Deliver GHG Reductions at Scale? An Analysis of Global Transport Initiatives. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/can-transport-deliver-ghg-reductions-scale-analysis-global-transport-initiatives.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Can Transport Deliver GHG Reductions at Scale? An Analysis of Global Transport Initiatives |url=https://www.wri.org/research/can-transport-deliver-ghg-reductions-scale-analysis-global-transport-initiatives |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendcan, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Can Transport Deliver GHG Reductions at Scale? An Analysis of Global Transport Initiatives}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/can-transport-deliver-ghg-reductions-scale-analysis-global-transport-initiatives}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }