Review on Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector in China: Overview, Analysis, and Perspectives

TL;DR

This review analyzes China's transportation decarbonization challenges and strategies, emphasizing institutional and technological development to support China's goals of peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive framework combining 'Avoid, Shift, Improve' with a new 'Institutional Capacity & Technology Development' perspective for better policy analysis.

Findings

Identifies key challenges like rising demand and limited institutional capacity.

Categorizes current measures using the 'Avoid, Shift, Improve' framework.

Proposes a novel strategic vector for broader development perspectives.

Abstract

This review identifies challenges and effective strategies to decarbonize China's rapidly growing transportation sector, currently the third largest carbon emitter, considering China's commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Key challenges include rising travel demand, unreached peak car ownership, declining bus ridership, gaps between energy technology research and practical application, and limited institutional capacity for decarbonization. This review categorizes current decarbonization measures, strategies, and policies in China's transportation sector using the "Avoid, Shift, Improve" framework, complemented by a novel strategic vector of "Institutional Capacity & Technology Development" to capture broader development perspectives. This comprehensive analysis aims to facilitate informed decision-making and promote collaborative strategies for China's transition to a sustainable transportation future.