Decarbonisation of transport remains one of the most challenging aspects of the transition to a sustainable energy system. Focussing on road transport, the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC)’s upcoming report contains detailed recommendations for actions on the part of all major stakeholders. The report will be officially launched at what promises to be a fascinating event featuring a high-level panel discussion with speakers from the European Parliament, Commission, Transport and Environment, European Automobile Manufacturers Association, ICLEI and the ITF. Promoted via the Energy Post platform.
When: 20 March 2019, 12:00 – 14:15
Where: Rubens room, Palais des Academies, Hertogstraat 1 Rue Ducale, 1000 Brussels
Register (FREE)
***
The EASAC report reviews options for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from European transport. It argues for stronger policies to bridge the gap between the GHG emission reductions that will be delivered by current policies and the levels needed to limit global warming to less than 2°C or even 1.5°C (Paris Agreement).
The report focusses on road transport because, in the EU, this contributes 72% of transport GHG emissions.
The EASAC report recommends a combination of transitional measures for the next 10-15 years and sustainable measures for the long term, based on a three-level policy framework:
- Avoid and contain demand for transport services
- Shift passengers and freight to transport modes with lower emissions (trains, buses and ships)
- Improve performance through vehicle design such as more efficient powertrains, replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy carriers including low-carbon electricity, hydrogen and synthetic fuels.
Opportunities for the EU to strengthen its industrial competitiveness and create high quality jobs are also discussed
Draft Programme
12:00 – light lunch available
12:30 – 12:40 – European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC): who we are and what we do
EASAC President Professor Thierry Courvoisier
12:40 – 13:00 – Decarbonisation of Transport study: process and results
Project leader Professor Konstantinos Boulouchos, ETH-Zurich
13:00 – 13:10 – Policy implications from EASAC’s perspective
Director of EASAC Energy Programme, Dr William Gillett
13:10 – Panel discussion
- Member of European Parliament: Michael Cramer (Greens/EFA)
- Representative of European Commission DG CLIMA: Damien Meadows
- European Commission Joint Research Centre: Alois Krasenbrink
- European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA): Petr Dolejsi
- Transport and Environment T&E:Â Thomas Earl
- International Transport Forum ITF-OECD: Elisabeth Windisch
- ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability: Wolfgang Teubner
13:40 – Open discussion with audience
14:10 – Closing remarks by Maria da Graça Carvalho, European Commission
14:15 – End of event [networking over coffee]
Register here
***
“Building Science into EU Policy – The National Science Academies of the EU Member States”
EASAC brings together the National Science Academies of the EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland. It is the voice of independent science advice, mobilising Europe’s leading scientists to guide EU policy for the benefit of society.
- EASAC website
- Sign up for the EASACÂ newsletter here
- Twitter: @EASACnews