CILT believes that “we can achieve net-zero by 2050” through a range of measures recommended to UK government and others in its latest report, Routes to Net-Zero 2050: 2020 Year End Summary.

Kevin Richardson, Chief Executive, CILT(UK), says: “Transport accounts for 28% of UK carbon emissions and, despite the downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, transport emissions will grow with recovery unless action is taken. Government is clearly the key player, but industry, organisations and individuals are also urged to take action, and we believe there is plenty to be achieved, starting today.”

Recommendations for national government include setting carbon budgets for the transport sector and mandating the use of sustainable fuel. Local government is recommended to play its part by implementing policies in ways that suit their circumstances. Transport providers should implement decarbonisation schemes whilst industry and academia are seen as the key players in research and development; CILT’s recommendations for them include continuing to develop innovative transport decarbonisation technologies, ranging from apps to massive industrial projects to produce hydrogen and sustainable fuels, and to remove greenhouse gases.

Paul Le Blond, editor of CILT’s Route to Net-Zero 2050 Year-End Report, says: “All those within the profession have a key role to play in transport decarbonisation. We must spread the message that transport can achieve net zero by 2050 by a range of measures, some technological, some societal and some through policies.”