The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally, accounting for 15% of total emissions, and even higher in Europe at 31%. This is largely due to a system that prioritizes individual, rapid, and frequent travel, often relying on the most polluting modes of transportation such as cars, airplanes, and maritime freight. As a result, people now travel significantly farther than they did a century ago, with the average person in France traveling 60 kilometers per day and in the United States, 80 kilometers per day.
Despite reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighting the issue, recommendations to governments have focused primarily on climate change, relying on technological innovation and carbon offsetting. However, this approach overlooks the impacts on resource consumption, biodiversity destruction, and environmental degradation. Experts argue that a shift towards more sustainable mobility requires a fundamental transformation of the transportation system, rather than just incremental changes. This includes promoting the use of public transportation, active mobility, and reducing unnecessary travel.
The current approach to addressing transportation emissions is insufficient, as it often prioritizes the interests of wealthy countries and industries. For example, the goal of increasing electric vehicles without addressing the overall growth in mobility can lead to a situation where there are 6 billion cars on the road globally, even if they are electric. Experts propose alternative solutions, such as reducing daily travel through more localized urban planning, investing in alternative modes of transportation, and promoting low-carbon long-distance travel.
The world is at a critical juncture, with countries producing fossil fuels and oil companies resisting changes to their business models. Meanwhile, China has already gained control over the production chains of electric vehicles, giving it a significant advantage. Europe is caught in the middle, struggling to find the political courage to implement necessary changes. Experts warn that it is time to change the narrative and recognize that a green transition is not just about technological solutions but also about transforming the way we live and travel.
A radical change in mobility requires a shift in societal values and behaviors. This includes rethinking the right to mobility in the face of ecological imperatives and recognizing that the challenges differ across territories and histories. Experts emphasize that reducing emissions requires a targeted approach, focusing on the most carbon-intensive forms of mobility, which are often associated with the wealthiest individuals. This approach must prioritize equity and justice, ensuring that the benefits of sustainable mobility are accessible to all.
The data confirms that emissions from transportation are closely correlated with wealth, with a small minority of people responsible for the majority of emissions. Experts propose that policies should focus on regulating the most polluting modes of transportation, such as cars, airplanes, and maritime freight, while developing alternative mobility systems adapted to each territory. This includes reallocating road networks for walking and cycling, developing public transportation systems, and reorganizing the distribution of services and equipment to promote proximity and reduce travel.
Implementing these changes requires a fundamental transformation of the transportation sector and a shift in societal values. Experts emphasize that this is a realistic and necessary goal, requiring governments to adopt a more ambitious and coordinated approach to addressing the planetary limits of mobility. The changes proposed by experts such as Vincent Kaufmann, Mimi Sheller, Kevin Anderson, Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, and Valentina offer a way forward, based on scientific evidence and democratic participation.
Key points
- Experts call for a radical change in mobility to address planetary limits.
- The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
- A shift towards sustainable mobility requires a fundamental transformation of the transportation system, prioritizing equity, justice, and ecological sustainability.
