How can you make low-carbon transportation technologies more resilient to climate change?

2 Adapt the design

The second step is to adapt the design and performance of low-carbon transportation technologies to cope with the changing climatic conditions and user needs. This involves incorporating features and specifications that can withstand or recover from the impacts of climate change, such as extreme temperatures, precipitation, humidity, or salinity. For example, electric vehicles can be equipped with thermal management systems, battery cooling systems, or solar panels to improve their efficiency and durability in hot or cold environments. Hydrogen fuel cells can be designed to operate at lower pressures, use less water, or use alternative catalysts to reduce their vulnerability to water scarcity or contamination. Biofuels can be blended with other fuels, modified to reduce emissions, or sourced from more resilient feedstocks to increase their compatibility and sustainability.

3 Diversify the options

The third step is to diversify the options and alternatives for low-carbon transportation technologies to reduce the dependence on a single technology or source. This involves expanding the portfolio and mix of low-carbon transportation technologies, as well as the infrastructure and services that enable them. For example, electric vehicles can be complemented by other modes of transport, such as public transit, cycling, or walking, to reduce the demand for electricity and improve the mobility and accessibility of users. Hydrogen fuel cells can be integrated with other energy sources, such as renewables, natural gas, or nuclear, to increase the supply and security of hydrogen and reduce the emissions from its production. Biofuels can be diversified by using different types of biomass, such as waste, algae, or crops, to reduce the competition for land and water and enhance the resilience of the biomass sector.

4 Engage the stakeholders

The fourth step is to engage the stakeholders and partners involved in the development and deployment of low-carbon transportation technologies to foster collaboration and coordination. This involves establishing and strengthening the networks and platforms that facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge, resources, and best practices among the actors, such as manufacturers, suppliers, operators, regulators, consumers, researchers, or NGOs. For example, electric vehicles can benefit from the involvement and feedback of the users, who can provide data, insights, or preferences on the performance, usability, or satisfaction of the vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells can benefit from the cooperation and alignment of the producers, distributors, and users of hydrogen, who can coordinate the supply and demand, standards and regulations, or incentives and subsidies of hydrogen. Biofuels can benefit from the participation and support of the communities, who can contribute to the production, processing, or consumption of biomass, as well as the social and environmental impacts of biofuels.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of low-carbon transportation technologies on the climate change mitigation and adaptation goals. This involves measuring and tracking the indicators and metrics that reflect the performance, effectiveness, efficiency, or sustainability of the technologies, as well as the challenges and opportunities that emerge from their implementation. For example, electric vehicles can be monitored and evaluated based on the emissions, energy consumption, cost, or user satisfaction of the vehicles, as well as the impacts on the power grid, the air quality, or the traffic congestion. Hydrogen fuel cells can be monitored and evaluated based on the emissions, energy production, cost, or reliability of the fuel cells, as well as the impacts on the hydrogen sector, the water resources, or the safety and security. Biofuels can be monitored and evaluated based on the emissions, energy content, cost, or availability of the biofuels, as well as the impacts on the biomass sector, the land use, or the food security.

Low-carbon transportation technologies can offer significant benefits for the climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, but they also need to be resilient to the climate change impacts. By following these steps, you can make low-carbon transportation technologies more resilient to climate change and ensure their long-term viability and success.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?