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146 results
ENHANCING NDCs: OPPORTUNITIES IN TRANSPORT
The document argues that current NDCs insufficiently address the transport sector, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of energy-related CO2 emissions. It advocates for a comprehensive approach based on the "Avoid-Shift-Improve" framework: avoiding unnecessary travel through land-use planning, shifting to low-carbon modes like public transit and cycling, and improving vehicle technology via electrification and fuel efficiency. The authors identify three primary opportunities for NDC enhancement: accelerating electrification and fuel economy, amplifying avoid-and-shift measures, and addressing freight emissions through clean fuels and information technology.
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Document type: Research paper
ECONOMIC, EMISSIONS IMPACT OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FUEL ECONOMY AND GHG EMISSIONS STANDARDS FREEZE; IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S., CALIFORNIA, “SECTION 177” STATES, CANADA
The document argues that freezing fuel economy and GHG emissions standards at 2020 levels would cost U.S. consumers up to $400 billion by 2050 and increase transportation emissions by up to 10% in 2035. It highlights the potential for a split market if California and Section 177 states maintain their authority to set stricter standards, and notes that Canada may follow California's lead or face its own economic losses of $50 billion to $67 billion if it continues to align with federal U.S. standards.
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Document type: Research paper
WP1 Summary report: Optimising waste biomass supply for production of sustainable aviation fuel in South Africa
The report finds that South Africa has sufficient waste biomass to meet the potential demand of Sasol's Secunda plant, with availability estimated at 2 to 4 times the maximum potential demand. Garden waste and sawdust are identified as the lowest-risk feedstocks. Fuel rods are the most cost-competitive densification option for woody biomass, while white pellets are cheapest for soft biomass. The study concludes that biomass feedstock would be 3-4 times more expensive than coal, though this could be offset by SAF premiums and carbon tax liabilities.
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Document type: Report
Decarbonizing road freight systems
The document identifies a strategic dilemma for Sweden: relying on biofuels to meet near-term 2030 goals may hinder the transition to electrification, which is viewed as the more cost-effective long-term strategy for 2045. While biofuels currently provide about 20% of truck energy and are expected to remain the primary mid-term solution, stakeholders anticipate a shift toward battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and electric road system technologies starting in the 2030s.
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Document type: Policy brief
Four Facts You Need to Know Electric Vehicle Benefits for Colorado
The document highlights that EVs in Colorado produce significantly lower emissions than gasoline cars, with an average of 2.71 metric tons of CO2e per year compared to 4.9 metric tons. It notes substantial fuel savings for drivers, particularly in rural areas where savings can reach $602, and cites a 71 percent increase in Colorado EV sales between 2017 and 2018. The text advocates for the extension of federal tax credits and the expansion of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) programs to lower upfront costs and increase vehicle variety.
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Document type: Fact sheet
REDUCING EMISSIONS FROM TRANSPORTATION IN THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC
The analysis evaluates three technology pathways—fuel efficiency, vehicle electrification, and low-carbon fuels—to reduce transportation emissions. For Massachusetts, a total investment of approximately $94 billion through 2050 is projected to generate a cumulative net benefit of nearly $40 billion, driven primarily by fuel savings and avoided environmental costs. By 2050, these measures would avoid 276.8 million metric tons of CO2 and reduce fossil-based liquid fuel use by nearly 29 billion gallons.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Call to Action on Climate Change and Health
The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and other health professionals argue that climate change is the greatest health threat of the 21st century, citing immediate impacts in Canada such as wildfires, heat-related deaths, and food insecurity in the Arctic. They urge federal parties to adopt targets to keep warming below 1.5°C, phase out coal by 2030, and reduce emissions from the oil, gas, and transport sectors, noting that such policies would yield significant health co-benefits and reduce healthcare costs.
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Document type: Statement
Eesti ökoloogilise maksureformi realiseerumine
The report finds that Estonia's 2005 ecological tax reform was only partially implemented, with success largely limited to fiscal goals rather than behavioral or environmental changes. While excise duties on energy products and electricity were generally increased, transport and pollution taxes saw minimal progress. Consequently, several negative trends persisted or worsened between 2005 and 2017, including a 43% increase in direct material input, a rise in the number of passenger cars, and continued reliance on oil shale for electricity production. Positive developments were noted in the growth of renewable electricity and a reduction in certain air pollutants, though greenhouse gas emissions from transport increased by 10%.
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Document type: Report
The G20 transition to a low-carbon economy
The report finds that G20 countries are not on track to meet Paris Agreement goals, with energy-related CO2 emissions increasing again in 2017 and 82% of energy supply still coming from fossil fuels. It highlights significant gaps in sectoral actions—particularly in power, transport, and industry—and notes that fossil fuel subsidies in the G20 nearly doubled between 2007 and 2016. While some countries are implementing 'just transition' initiatives for workers, others lack dialogue or action.
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Document type: Report
Three Strategies to Move the Region Forward
The document argues that the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region can significantly reduce climate pollution and consumer costs by investing in vehicle efficiency, electric vehicles (EVs), and clean fuels. An analysis by M.J. Bradley and Associates indicates that these strategies could cut on-road CO2 emissions by 37% by 2030 and 78% by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels), while saving consumers over $1 trillion on petroleum-based fuels by 2050. The report emphasizes that electrification is the largest driver of emissions reductions and suggests policy mechanisms such as a Clean Fuel Standard and a regional clean transportation investment fund to achieve these goals equitably.
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Document type: Fact sheet
FACT SHEET A Plan Is Needed to Reduce Emissions, Boost Revenue, and Ensure Reliable Transit
The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a transportation-based cap-and-invest program for New York State, citing the success of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in the power sector. The document highlights that transportation is the largest source of emissions in New York and a major cause of health issues in New York City. It suggests that such a program could raise over $1.2 billion annually to fund electric vehicle infrastructure, public transit, and climate resilience.
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Document type: Fact sheet
ticket-tax-both-minimally-effective-and-incredibly-impactful
Carbon Market Watch analyzes Sweden's aviation ticket tax, noting that while the industry opposes it, the tax is too low to reverse the rising trend of aviation emissions. The author argues that a significantly higher carbon price is necessary to either reduce flight demand or incentivize the development of electric aircraft technology.
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Document type: Statement
Going Pump-Plug
The Union of Concerned Scientists found that EV owners in each of the 50 largest US cities can save money on fuel, with median annual savings exceeding $770. The report highlights the stability of electricity prices compared to gasoline and the role of off-peak, time-of-use rate plans in reducing costs. It recommends expanding public charging infrastructure, maintaining purchase incentives, and implementing policies to make EVs accessible to lower-income households and residents of multi-unit dwellings.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Going from Pump to Plug
The Union of Concerned Scientists analysis finds that EVs are significantly cheaper to fuel and maintain than gasoline vehicles, with median annual fuel savings exceeding $770. While purchase prices are generally higher, federal and state incentives can make EVs competitive or even cheaper than comparable gasoline cars. The report emphasizes the role of time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates in reducing costs and recommends policies to expand charging infrastructure and maintain purchase incentives to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
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Document type: Executive summary
How does our state benefit from federal fuel economy and global warming emissions standards?
The document argues that federal light-duty vehicle standards set by the EPA and NHTSA in 2012 provide significant benefits to Massachusetts, including fuel savings, job creation, and emissions reductions. By 2030, the average Massachusetts household is projected to be $2,650 richer due to gas savings outweighing the upfront cost of more efficient vehicles. To date, the state has saved $700 million, and the standards are expected to create 15,200 new jobs in the state. Environmentally, the standards eliminate global warming emissions equivalent to those produced by providing electricity to the city of Boston.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Incentives Boost Sales and Decrease Costs, Benefiting Consumers and Industry
The document asserts that financial incentives, particularly the federal tax credit, are essential for bridging the price gap between electric vehicles (EVs) and gasoline cars while battery costs decline. It highlights that EVs offer significant fuel savings and lower global warming emissions, and that government support fosters domestic manufacturing and R&D. The brief warns that premature removal of these incentives would stall US leadership in EV technology, citing a sharp drop in sales in Georgia after its state tax credit ended in 2015.
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Document type: Policy brief
Two California Policies Critical to Reducing Emissions from Cars and Trucks
The document examines how California's LCFS and Cap-and-Trade Program work together to reduce transportation emissions. The LCFS mandates a reduction in the carbon intensity of fuels, while Cap-and-Trade puts a price on carbon and generates revenue for clean technology investments. The author argues that neither policy is sufficient alone and recommends extending both to 2030 to provide the stability needed for long-term infrastructure and vehicle transitions.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Self-Driving Cars 101
The document provides an overview of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and its potential societal impacts. It highlights risks including increased vehicle miles traveled, potential for increased climate emissions if gasoline-powered, and algorithmic biases in detecting people of color and children. To address these, the Union of Concerned Scientists proposes seven guiding principles focusing on safety, clean vehicles, integrated transit, improved access, just transition for workers, public accountability, and livable communities.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Eestisse kavandatud puidurafineerimistehase olelusringipõhise süsiniku jalajälje hindamine
The report evaluates a proposed wood biorefinery in Estonia with a projected capacity of 750,000 tonnes per year. Using the CEPI methodology, the study finds that the plant would have a negative fossil carbon footprint of -0.39 tonnes of CO2-e per tonne of finished product, primarily because the renewable electricity it exports to the grid replaces oil shale-based power. The plant is also estimated to sequester 1.3 tonnes of biogenic CO2-e per tonne of product. Compared to a 'zero scenario' where wood is exported to Nordic countries, the project is expected to reduce Estonia's overall greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.6% and increase the share of renewable electricity in national consumption to 26%.
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Document type: Report
Bringing Electric Vehicles to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
The document advocates for increasing electric vehicle (EV) availability in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, noting that while 55% of regional consumers are interested, availability lags significantly behind California. It calls for the expiration of a regulatory exemption that allows sales in California to count toward compliance in Northeast states and suggests updating ZEV program credits to account for rapid improvements in battery range.
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Document type: Fact sheet