Scania : Sustainable transport – time for action

COP 22, the UN Climate Change Conference 2016, this week kicks off in Marrakech as the Paris agreement to achieve a global warming of under two degrees has just entered into force. This signals the need for action and Scania is present at the conference to propose a realistic way forward.

The need for sustainable solutions are at the fore more than ever as nations and cities now have a binding commitment to limit their emissions. Growing populations, increasing urbanisation and continued economic growth will inevitably lead to a continued demand for mobility. This growth must be managed while at the same time reducing emissions, fossil fuel dependency and the carbon footprint.

'We at Scania are convinced that viable solutions are within reach and that we globally can help build a sustainable transport system,' says Scania's President and CEO Henrik Henriksson. 'This requires adopting a broad and holistic perspective and the good news is that the means are largely available. We need to seriously focus on alternative fuels, electrification and smarter transport systems. And we need to focus on all these areas in parallel since they reinforce each other.'

Unchecked, carbon emissions will continue to rise even with increased energy efficiency. Therefore, the overall EU 2030 decarbonisation target is a 40-percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels and at least a 27-percent share of renewable energy consumption. By 2050, the emissions are proposed to be reduced by 80-95 percent.

Nations now urgently need to address climate change and plan action in accordance with their Paris commitments. Scania is convinced that achieving these targets in the transport sector not only is possible but can also be significantly accelerated through smarter transport strategies for improved filling rates, route planning and intermodality between transport modes. Increased use of renewable biofuels will further speed up the transition. With the gradual introduction of electrically powered vehicles, the European transport sector can be virtually fossil-free by the end of 2050.

'There is no time to lose and we are already working with progressive transporters and their assignors in implementing effective and immediate carbon reduction measures,' says Henriksson. 'We are confident that they will be in the vanguard and pave the way for industry-wide action.'