Publication Date: February 2024
This publication was developed under the Zooming In series of the SLOCAT Transport, Climate and Sustainability Global Status Report – 3rd Edition, in collaboration with KCC
The report explores freight transport trends, emissions, and resilience across global and regional contexts. It aims to equip decision-makers with a comprehensive evidence base and practical guidance to support low-carbon and inclusive freight transport transformation. By analysing pathways to meet the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, the publication sheds light on structural shifts, policy gaps, and financing needs for sustainable freight systems.
Key messages:
- Freight transport emissions are rising and account for over 40% of transport-related CO₂ emissions globally, yet receive less attention than passenger transport in policy and investment.
- Systemic change is essential: policy and business solutions must go beyond technology to include shifting to rail and inland waterways, shortening supply chains, and rethinking logistics.
- Urban freight, first- and last-mile delivery, and heavy-duty vehicles remain highly polluting due to weak standards, poor integration, and road-centric investment.
- Current freight-related targets in NDCs and long-term strategies are limited; stronger, mode-shift-oriented commitments are needed to align with the 1.5°C target.
- Greater collaboration is required across public and private actors to drive zero-emission logistics and scale sustainable freight infrastructure.
Based on comprehensive global and regional data, the report reviews trends across all freight modes, from road and rail to shipping and aviation. It also presents the “Avoid-Shift-Improve” approach as a guiding framework and discusses systemic enablers such as shorter supply chains, digitalisation, and modal integration.
Related to:
