Decarbonisation:whatcanwedorightnow?

Decarbonisation of urban transport is a complex beast.

– There are tensions between supporting the transition of private cars to ZE (zero emission) tech without encouraging more cars on the road
– There are barriers to the roll out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and funding issues around the same
– Technology is changing by the minute and requiring new systems to deploy it, which can make implementing change challenging and expensive

As we said… complex beast.

But transport is the single biggest contributor (by sector) to UK greenhouse gas emissions, and 91% of this comes from road transport in particular, so it’s crucial that we do something about it.

Thankfully, the UK has committed to a 68% reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2030. To smash these goals, we have to start at the biggest source: cars and vans.

Phasing out petrol and diesel vans by 2030 is a huge step in the right direction, and it’s interesting to think about how it’ll affect our decision-making in both the short and long term. After all, it’s only a mere 7 or so years away; so what’s the best investment for a business looking to future-proof their transportation and delivery game? And what can be done NOW, bearing in mind the inherent challenges of decarbonisation?

Our answer: making the switch to green, efficient cargo bike deliveries, removing 98% CO2 emissions from urban parcel drop offs. With this route, there’s no need to wait for changes in infrastructure or funding (cargo bike deliveries are often cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives), or tech (we’ve already got it).

When combined with a cohesive approach between business leaders and local government, swapping vans for cargo bike deliveries can yield huge results for the health and wellbeing of our communities. Just take a look at the brilliant work by ZED Waltham Forest for an example of what can be achieved through a little determination and collaboration.

TL;DR: Sometimes, the most powerful solution is the one already available to us. 🙌

We’ll leave you with this quote from scientist Katharine Heyhoe, who was asked which climate solutions she would back if she was give $100m:

“We have so many solutions already: let’s implement them before leaping for high-hanging fruit. Plus, we must create the necessary conditions for change by fostering constructive conversations everywhere.”