Decarbonization of the transportation sector is particularly difficult due to its near-complete reliance on refined fossil fuels at present. In this paper, we describe the energy needs of the main transportation sectors worldwide: road transportation, aviation and maritime shipping. There is a growing commitment to electrification as the dominant decarbonization pathway. While deep electrification is promising (if by no means a certainty) for road transportation in wealthy countries, it will face steep obstacles in other sectors and in the developing world. Transportation decarbonization will require decoupling emissions from economic growth, highlighting the need for both accelerated technology innovation as well as creativity and cooperation in governance. The menu of policy options is replete with grim tradeoffs, particularly as the primacy of energy security and reliability (over emissions abatement) has once again been demonstrated in Europe and elsewhere.

Aggregated vehicle ownership, emissions and electricity generate data for Countries and regions, worldwide.