Decarbonising the land transport sector: Pathways towards enhanced global governance

Abstract

This article investigates the possible role of global governance in transforming land transport towards decarbonisation. While this transformation faces several barriers, international institutions could help to address these through fulfilling several governance functions: (1) guidance and signal, (2) rules and standards, (3) transparency and accountability, (4) knowledge and learning, (5) means of implementation, and (6) orchestration and coordination. Our analysis shows that international institutions have failed to fully harness their potential, leading to governance gaps. Accordingly, we propose reforms for several institutions, including how the United Nations climate regime can help orchestrate activities by other international institutions. Specifically, we explore options for (1) developing an authoritative roadmap and transport-specific net-zero target, (2) integrating sector-specific targets in national mitigation pledges, and (3) developing sector-specific international reporting. Additionally, we explore the creation of an electric vehicles climate club to phase-out fossil-fuelled vehicles. Methodologically, we apply several qualitative data collection techniques.