Ricardo supports the Advancing Transport Climate Strategies project
Ricardo Energy & Environment has been hired to support rapidly developing countries develop and meet nationally determined contribution targets in light of fast-growing carbon based transportation.
The global commitment to align human consumption with the reality of what can be sustainably borne by the environment, is reflected in the coming into force of the Paris Agreement. As part of the agreement, countries around the world agree to nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – whose aim is to keep warming to ‘well below’ two degrees Celsius.
One of the major contributors to climate affecting emissions is transportation. In total around 14.5% of global emission emanate from internal combustion engine exhaust. The rapid development of the automotive industry, particularly in rapidly developing countries, is one area of concern in meeting NDCs.
In a bid to better support rapidly developing countries understand their commitments in light of additional vehicles on the road, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit has appointed Ricardo Energy & Environment to review the emissions reduction commitments made by a number of fast developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Ricardo joins the wider ‘Advancing Transport Climate Strategies’ project, funded by German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, through its International Climate Initiative, to integrate transportation conditions with their wider climate policies and national development goals.
Ricardo’s role includes analysing individual countries’ transport strategies in light of NDCs, interviewing stakeholders and NDC project managers, as well as undertaking in-country research with national policy makers.
Sujith Kollamthodi, Ricardo Energy & Environment Sustainable Transport practice Director, says, “Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport are expected to increase significantly in developing countries, as increased urbanisation and the demand for personal mobility drives rapid increases in car use and road traffic levels. Our research will help to identify how such countries can take steps to reduce GHG emissions from their expanding transport sectors. The outputs of this work will help GIZ and the German Government in their roles supporting nations to drive sustainable economic and environmental development throughout the world.”
The firm states that it was selected on the basis of its strong performance in transportation, including to local authorities; of supporting countries with their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions; of launching a guide and the DECC tool; and lastly of supporting countries, such as Vietnam, monitor and implement NDCs.