The Forum for Decarbonizing Transport was recently launched in a joint initiative between NITI Aayog, an advisory think tank operating under the chairmanship of India’s Prime Minister and the World Resources Institute (WRI), India. WRI India is an independent charity registered as the India Resources Trust, serving to promote environmentally-sound and socially-equitable development through practical solutions and objective data.
About The Forum for Decarbonizing Transport
This forum forms part of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)-Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) project. The project centres on the development of effective policies and the formation of a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at decarbonising transport in Asia. The initiative is a collaboration between seven organisations engaging China, India, and Vietnam in a comprehensive approach towards this goal.
The NDC-TIA project operates under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), a significant element of Germany’s commitment to climate financing and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Thus, this forum will serve as a channel to bring together various voices and requirements for adopting an integrated approach to green the transport sector in India.
Aims of the Forum
The forum aims to reduce peak levels of greenhouse gas emissions from the Asian transport sector, aiming for a well-below-2-degree pathway. This reduction is geared towards tackling issues such as congestion and air pollution.
Expected Benefits
The initiative is expected to aid in the creation of innovative business models designed for targeted results and the comprehensive growth of the electric mobility sector in India. It will also serve as a platform for dialogue, fostering the development of uniform policies towards specific results in emissions reduction from the transport sector.
The Need for Decarbonisation in Transport
Statistical data from the International Energy Agency (2020) and the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (2018) show that road transport contributes more than 90% of India’s total CO2 emissions. To effectively achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement for 2050, the transition to a decarbonisation path for the transport sector in India is crucial.
Related Initiatives
Various initiatives have been launched to promote electric vehicles and reduce emissions. These include the FAME Scheme, which forms part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, and offers subsidies to boost the use of electric vehicles. In addition, incentives under the PLI Scheme, including an outlay of over Rs. 5700 crore for the auto industry, aim to encourage the indigenous development of Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Building a Renewable Automotive Industry
India is currently developing a domestic renewable automotive industry with the goal of becoming the largest global electric vehicle manufacturing and supplying hub. It is projected that by 2050, battery electric and fuel-cell vehicle technologies will surpass fossil-fuel-run vehicles in India.
The Way Forward
India possesses a significant opportunity to decarbonize its urban transport sector through the promotion of walking, cycling, public transport, and motor vehicle electrification. To capitalise on this potential, creating a favourable ecosystem for various stakeholders is essential. Coordinated effort between stakeholders will enable investment, encourage adoption, and ensure fair operation within the industry.
