In the quest for a sustainable future, the transportation sector stands out as one of the most critical areas requiring transformation. As urbanisation continues to surge and the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the need for decarbonising transportation and ensuring the sustainability of battery supply chains has never been more pressing.

The Urgent Need for Decarbonisation

Transportation is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly a quarter of energy-related CO2 emissions. With millions of vehicles on the road and the majority still powered by fossil fuels, the emissions from this sector are a major driver of climate change. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and enhancing public transportation systems are pivotal steps in reducing this carbon footprint.

However, the journey towards decarbonisation isn't just about swapping petrol engines for electric motors. It involves rethinking urban mobility, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and implementing policies that support this transition. As discussed in the latest episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, my guest Lina Fedirk, Associate Director on the Road Transportation team at the ClimateWorks Foundation emphasised the importance of systemic change coupled with individual action.

Innovations in Urban Mobility

Cities worldwide are grappling with traffic congestion and pollution. Innovative solutions such as congestion pricing and low emission zones have shown promise. For instance, as a result of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) the number of Londoners living in areas with illegally high levels of nitrogen dioxide fell by 94 percent, and alongside this there were other reductions in London's air pollution by reducing the number of high-emission vehicles in the city centre. Similarly, Stockholm's congestion pricing has effectively cut traffic volumes and emissions 25%, proving that well-designed policies can drive meaningful change.

Another critical aspect is the promotion of non-motorised transport options like cycling and walking. Seville, a city known for its exemplary bike lane network, provides a model for other urban centres. By ensuring all bike lanes are protected and interconnected, Seville has made cycling a safe and attractive mode of transport, leading to increased ridership and reduced emissions (Source: I have lived in Seville since June 2008, so I have seen, and used the bike lanes here extensively!).

The Complexities of Battery Supply Chains

While EVs are a cornerstone of decarbonising transportation, the sustainability of their battery supply chains poses significant challenges. As Lina Fedirko highlighted, the demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel is skyrocketing, driven by the surge in EV production. However, the extraction and processing of these minerals often come with environmental and social costs.

Responsible sourcing of minerals is crucial. The current mining practices can lead to habitat destruction, water pollution, and human rights violations, particularly in developing countries. To mitigate these impacts, it is imperative to develop and enforce regulations that ensure ethical and sustainable mining practices. For example, the European Union's new battery regulation mandates the recovery of valuable materials and human rights due diligence, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.

Towards a Circular Economy

A key strategy in cleaning up battery supply chains is the shift towards a circular economy. This involves designing batteries for easy recycling and ensuring that the materials can be recovered and reused. By closing the loop, we can reduce the reliance on new mineral extraction and minimise environmental harm. Companies like Redwood Materials are pioneering efforts in battery recycling, aiming to create a closed-loop supply chain for battery materials.

Moreover, advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, promise to reduce the dependence on scarce minerals and improve overall sustainability. These innovations, coupled with strong regulatory frameworks, can drive the transition towards a cleaner and more resilient transportation system.

The Global Perspective

Decarbonising transportation and cleaning up battery supply chains is a global endeavour. Countries like Norway are leading the charge with aggressive EV adoption rates and comprehensive policies supporting sustainable transport. In contrast, emerging economies are focusing on developing public transport infrastructure and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to support the transition.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2030, there will be over 240 million electric cars on the road, up from around 40 million today. This exponential growth underscores the need for a sustainable approach to sourcing and recycling the materials essential for this transition.

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

The decarbonisation of transportation and the cleaning up of battery supply chains are crucial steps in our fight against climate change. It requires a concerted effort from policymakers, industry leaders, and individuals alike. By implementing robust regulations, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and promoting responsible consumption, we can pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.

If you’re keen to dive deeper into this topic, I highly recommend listening to my discussion with Lina Fedirko on the latest episode of the Climate Confident Podcast. Lina provides invaluable insights into the complexities and opportunities in this space.

Let’s work together to drive this transition forward.

Originally published on TomRaftery.com

By Tom Raftery

Keywords: Climate Change, Supply Chain, Sustainability