A new study estimates a reduction in emissions of only 35-45% of pre-COVID levels by 2050. Lighter vehicles and faster uptake of electric vehicles can dramatically improve progress towards net zero.

Our study used the Australian Fleet Model and the net zero vehicle emission model.

One neglected issue is the growing proportion of big, heavy passenger vehicles.

Reducing vehicle weights and optimising energy efficiency in transport will be essential to meet emission targets.

Our study suggests Australia is on track to miss the net-zero target for 2050 mainly because of the large proportions of fossil-fuelled vehicles and large and heavy passenger vehicles.

  • Majoof@aussie.zoneEnglish
    9·
    1 year ago

    The other day standing at the lights waiting to cross, for whatever reason it hit me like a ton of bricks as I saw half a dozen cars pull up to the lights.

    “we’re doomed, there’s no way people will accept the changes we need to make right now to stand any chance of avoiding a climate catastrophe”

    Heavy cars are just the tip of the iceberg. From the heavy ships burning shit oil in international waters, to agricultural methane, food waste, microplastics, etc, we’re fucked.

    Pessimistic, but I just don’t see humanity coming together for a common good. We’ll probably be ok in Australia. Rich, and far away from everyone but I feel for those in less fortunate situations when the crops stop growing and AC becomes mandatory to survive summer.

    • dshtEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      Wasn’t the use of bunker fuel being constrained essentially everywhere? I remember it being talked about a couple of years ago as an issue for diesel supplies as that was what they were switching to.

      It will be interesting to see what happens to Australia, as it seems likely the weather will get even hotter/more chaotic. That said, if sea levels rise enough we might get the inside of the country flooded which would drastically change the climate.