In the quest for a sustainable future, the World Economic Forum's ‘Net-Zero Industry Tracker’ 2023 Edition released on Tuesday, sheds light on the developments and challenges in emission-intensive industrial sectors worldwide. With a keen focus on key players in production, energy, and transport, this report unveils a comprehensive analysis of the industries responsible for over 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

The Global Landscape: A critical 40 per cent &nbsp;

Process- and energy-related emissions from sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, oil and gas, aviation, shipping, and trucking collectively contribute to more than 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing those of any individual country. Transparency in their progress becomes imperative for timely interventions and ensuring we remain on course for net-zero emissions by 2050.&nbsp;

Pathways to Net-Zero: A blend of solutions&nbsp;

The journey to net-zero varies across sectors, but a common thread emerges — a combination of electrification (clean power), clean hydrogen, and fossil fuels abated by carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) form the bedrock of industrial decarbonisation. However, a robust enabling environment is crucial, supported by a standardised conceptual framework, to meet sector-specific decarbonisation objectives.&nbsp;

Five Key Takeaways from the 2023 Tracker&nbsp;

1. Technology: Gradual growth demands rapid acceleration&nbsp;

Low-emission technologies are making strides, with promising early signs in sectors like aluminium and trucking. However, a significant acceleration is needed to support commercial deployment by 2030. Prioritising material circularity, recycling, and transition fuels can bridge the gap until technologies become more widely available.&nbsp;

2. Infrastructure: Balancing financing needs and investments&nbsp;

Financing requirements for low-emission technologies are substantial, overshadowed by larger infrastructure investments. Clean hydrogen, CCUS, and electrification dominate, emphasising the need for shared infrastructure hubs to accelerate decarbonisation, especially in remote locations.&nbsp;

3. Demand: Navigating the green premium&nbsp;

Standardised definitions for low-emission products gain consensus, signalling early market demand across sectors. Challenges like reporting standards, supply chain instability, and transparency gaps persist, with business-to-business (B2B) green premiums largely untested at scale.&nbsp;

4. Policy: A shifting landscape demands global alignment&nbsp;

Evolution in policy landscapes, driven by industrial initiatives in select countries, bolsters investment. However, the risk of concentrating industrial activity in developed nations necessitates multilateral cooperation. Global alignment on emissions reduction requirements and policies tailored to individual country needs are imperative.&nbsp;

5. Capital: A call for investment in sustainable solutions&nbsp;

Sectors need approximately $11 trillion in additional investments for clean energy adoption and legacy asset retrofitting. Strong business cases are lacking, emphasising the need for market-stabilising policies and companies embedding decarbonisation into their strategies to attract capital.&nbsp;

Charting the course to net-zero&nbsp;

Achieving net-zero emissions requires a multi-faceted approach across production, energy, and transport sectors. The 2023 tracker report recognises progress but underscores the need for collaborative efforts, aligning demand, policy incentives, capital, and infrastructure expansion. As industries navigate this net-zero frontier, innovative collaborations and leveraging enabling levers can pave the way for a greener, more resilient, and prosperous future. The report acknowledges the challenges but emphasises the global industrial community's positive trajectory towards a sustainable tomorrow.&nbsp;

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In the quest for a sustainable future, the World Economic Forum's ‘Net-Zero Industry Tracker’ 2023 Edition released on Tuesday, sheds light on the developments and challenges in emission-intensive industrial sectors worldwide.

In the quest for a sustainable future, the World Economic Forum's ‘Net-Zero Industry Tracker’ 2023 Edition released on Tuesday, sheds light on the developments and challenges in emission-intensive industrial sectors worldwide. With a keen focus on key players in production, energy, and transport, this report unveils a comprehensive analysis of the industries responsible for over 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Global Landscape: A critical 40 per cent Process- and energy-related emissions from sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, oil and gas, aviation, shipping, and trucking collectively contribute to more than 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing those of any individual country. Transparency in their progress becomes imperative for timely interventions and ensuring we remain on course for net-zero emissions by 2050. Pathways to Net-Zero: A blend of solutions The journey to net-zero varies across sectors, but a common thread emerges — a combination of electrification (clean power), clean hydrogen, and fossil fuels abated by carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) form the bedrock of industrial decarbonisation. However, a robust enabling environment is crucial, supported by a standardised conceptual framework, to meet sector-specific decarbonisation objectives. Five Key Takeaways from the 2023 Tracker 1. Technology: Gradual growth demands rapid acceleration Low-emission technologies are making strides, with promising early signs in sectors like aluminium and trucking. However, a significant acceleration is needed to support commercial deployment by 2030. Prioritising material circularity, recycling, and transition fuels can bridge the gap until technologies become more widely available. 2. Infrastructure: Balancing financing needs and investments Financing requirements for low-emission technologies are substantial, overshadowed by larger infrastructure investments. Clean hydrogen, CCUS, and electrification dominate, emphasising the need for shared infrastructure hubs to accelerate decarbonisation, especially in remote locations. 3. Demand: Navigating the green premium Standardised definitions for low-emission products gain consensus, signalling early market demand across sectors. Challenges like reporting standards, supply chain instability, and transparency gaps persist, with business-to-business (B2B) green premiums largely untested at scale. 4. Policy: A shifting landscape demands global alignment Evolution in policy landscapes, driven by industrial initiatives in select countries, bolsters investment. However, the risk of concentrating industrial activity in developed nations necessitates multilateral cooperation. Global alignment on emissions reduction requirements and policies tailored to individual country needs are imperative. 5. Capital: A call for investment in sustainable solutions Sectors need approximately $11 trillion in additional investments for clean energy adoption and legacy asset retrofitting. Strong business cases are lacking, emphasising the need for market-stabilising policies and companies embedding decarbonisation into their strategies to attract capital. Charting the course to net-zero Achieving net-zero emissions requires a multi-faceted approach across production, energy, and transport sectors. The 2023 tracker report recognises progress but underscores the need for collaborative efforts, aligning demand, policy incentives, capital, and infrastructure expansion. As industries navigate this net-zero frontier, innovative collaborations and leveraging enabling levers can pave the way for a greener, more resilient, and prosperous future. The report acknowledges the challenges but emphasises the global industrial community's positive trajectory towards a sustainable tomorrow. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Navigating the Net-Zero frontier: Insights from the World Economic Forum's industry tracker 2023

The world's fashion giants have pledged to trim their carbon footprint but that goal remains elusive at a time "fast fashion" is all the rage -- a topic in the spotlight at the UN climate summit. &nbsp;

With a chance to strut their climate commitments at COP27 talks, clothing brands and manufacturers discussed global warming -- but some admitted that their pledge to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by mid-century might be a stretch.&nbsp;

"Are we there yet? Of course not. Are we on track? I would say ... maybe," Stefan Seidel, senior head of sustainability at Puma, told a panel at the COP27 in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Greenpeace and other groups have urged the sector -- already under fire for often exploitative labour practices -- to slow down or end the wasteful trend of mass-producing low-cost clothes that are quickly thrown away.

Fast fashion, they charge, uses up massive amounts of water, produces hazardous chemicals and clogs up landfills in poor countries with textile waste, while also generating greenhouse gases in production, transport and disposal.

The fashion sector was responsible for four per cent of global emissions in 2018 -- about the same as Britain, France and Germany combined -- according to the McKinsey consultancy firm.

Some 30 firms -- from retail giants H&amp;M and Zara owner Inditex to sports apparel rivals Adidas and Nike -- signed up to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action at the COP24 summit in Poland in 2018.

At the time they pledged to cut emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and to be net-zero emitters by mid-century.

A year ago they set the new, more ambitious goal of slashing their CO2 emissions by half by the end of the decade, with more than 100 companies now signatories to the pledge.

But meeting the target is a major challenge for an industry with long and complex supply chains that span the globe, industry insiders admit.

- 'Difficult and costly' -

Industry figures at COP27 barely mentioned the "fast fashion" business model, which critics say is at the heart of the problem, focussing instead on ideas around the use of renewable energy in factories and regulation.

But greening the entire supply chain and introducing climate-friendly standards among suppliers of raw materials and factories is a monumental task.

Leyla Ertur, head of sustainability at H&amp;M, said the Swedish firm has more than 800 suppliers.

And Marie-Claire Daveu, sustainability chief at Kering Group, which owns luxury brands Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, said: "Even us, we're not big enough to change all the supplies chains. That's why collaboration is key."

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Ali Nouira, an Egyptian manufacturer, told another COP27 panel that certification bodies do not even exist in the region.

"When we manufacture, we need to have all the right certifications and the carbon footprints and all that, and for a small brand coming out from Egypt that is extremely difficult and also costly," Nouira said.

"We also manufacture for other brands, in Europe and other places," he said. "And we're pressured to have the certifications and also to go down with our prices, so they can continue to make the profits they make."

- 'Leap of faith' -

Nicholas Mazzei, head of environmental sustainability at online retailer Zalando, said there had been a culture change in developed countries, with banks offering lower interest rates to companies that commit to a net-zero target.

"If you make that transformation, you may end up paying nothing because the loans are so low the costs are basically free," Mazzei said.

But suppliers face big costs as sewing clothes in factories requires more energy than that used by retail stores at the end of the supply chain.

"We need, at a far bigger scale, more renewable energy than brands do," said Catherine Chiu, vice president of corporate quality and sustainability at Kong Kong firm Crystal International Group.

"Even if we install solar panels in all of our 20 plants, that would only represent 17 per cent of the energy consumption of the group," she said.

Delman Lee, vice chair for sustainability at TAL Apparel, another Hong Kong garment manufacturer, said it has been decarbonising its operations for a decade.

But with subsidiaries in countries including Vietnam and Ethiopia, it is complicated to navigate the different regulations, Lee said.

Aiming to become a net-zero business "is a leap of faith commitment," Lee said. "You commit to something you don't know how to achieve."

The world's fashion giants have pledged to trim their carbon footprint but that goal remains elusive at a time "fast fashion" is all the rage -- a topic in the spotlight at the UN climate summit.

The world's fashion giants have pledged to trim their carbon footprint but that goal remains elusive at a time "fast fashion" is all the rage -- a topic in the spotlight at the UN climate summit. With a chance to strut their climate commitments at COP27 talks, clothing brands and manufacturers discussed global warming -- but some admitted that their pledge to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by mid-century might be a stretch. "Are we there yet? Of course not. Are we on track? I would say ... maybe," Stefan Seidel, senior head of sustainability at Puma, told a panel at the COP27 in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Greenpeace and other groups have urged the sector -- already under fire for often exploitative labour practices -- to slow down or end the wasteful trend of mass-producing low-cost clothes that are quickly thrown away. Fast fashion, they charge, uses up massive amounts of water, produces hazardous chemicals and clogs up landfills in poor countries with textile waste, while also generating greenhouse gases in production, transport and disposal. The fashion sector was responsible for four per cent of global emissions in 2018 -- about the same as Britain, France and Germany combined -- according to the McKinsey consultancy firm. Some 30 firms -- from retail giants H&M and Zara owner Inditex to sports apparel rivals Adidas and Nike -- signed up to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action at the COP24 summit in Poland in 2018. At the time they pledged to cut emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and to be net-zero emitters by mid-century. A year ago they set the new, more ambitious goal of slashing their CO2 emissions by half by the end of the decade, with more than 100 companies now signatories to the pledge. But meeting the target is a major challenge for an industry with long and complex supply chains that span the globe, industry insiders admit. - 'Difficult and costly' - Industry figures at COP27 barely mentioned the "fast fashion" business model, which critics say is at the heart of the problem, focussing instead on ideas around the use of renewable energy in factories and regulation. But greening the entire supply chain and introducing climate-friendly standards among suppliers of raw materials and factories is a monumental task. Leyla Ertur, head of sustainability at H&M, said the Swedish firm has more than 800 suppliers. And Marie-Claire Daveu, sustainability chief at Kering Group, which owns luxury brands Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, said: "Even us, we're not big enough to change all the supplies chains. That's why collaboration is key." Also read: Comedian Jay Leno suffers burns in car fire in his LA garage Ali Nouira, an Egyptian manufacturer, told another COP27 panel that certification bodies do not even exist in the region. "When we manufacture, we need to have all the right certifications and the carbon footprints and all that, and for a small brand coming out from Egypt that is extremely difficult and also costly," Nouira said. "We also manufacture for other brands, in Europe and other places," he said. "And we're pressured to have the certifications and also to go down with our prices, so they can continue to make the profits they make." - 'Leap of faith' - Nicholas Mazzei, head of environmental sustainability at online retailer Zalando, said there had been a culture change in developed countries, with banks offering lower interest rates to companies that commit to a net-zero target. "If you make that transformation, you may end up paying nothing because the loans are so low the costs are basically free," Mazzei said. But suppliers face big costs as sewing clothes in factories requires more energy than that used by retail stores at the end of the supply chain. "We need, at a far bigger scale, more renewable energy than brands do," said Catherine Chiu, vice president of corporate quality and sustainability at Kong Kong firm Crystal International Group. "Even if we install solar panels in all of our 20 plants, that would only represent 17 per cent of the energy consumption of the group," she said. Delman Lee, vice chair for sustainability at TAL Apparel, another Hong Kong garment manufacturer, said it has been decarbonising its operations for a decade. But with subsidiaries in countries including Vietnam and Ethiopia, it is complicated to navigate the different regulations, Lee said. Aiming to become a net-zero business "is a leap of faith commitment," Lee said. "You commit to something you don't know how to achieve."

Net-zero in fashion, but clothing giants struggle to cut emissions

The state of California will vote this week on plans requiring&nbsp;all new cars sold to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, as the nation's largest economy propels a transition away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will discuss proposals this week that will formalise the goals established by Governor Gavin Newsom, and perhaps encourage other US states to follow suit.

The plans, which board member Daniel Sperling previously told CNN he was "99.9 per cent" sure would be enacted, also include gradual stages requiring that more than a third of cars sold in the state by 2026 and more than two-thirds by 2030 be zero-emission vehicles.

California has the largest market in the country with more than 40 million consumers. Because businesses cannot afford to lose out, regulations in the state have an impact on manufacturers' output plans across the nation and beyond. As a result, California can effectively establish national norms.

The probable decision on Thursday follows the signing last week of a climate law by US President Joe Biden, which allocates hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives for clean energy initiatives.&nbsp;

As the former president of the United States, Donald Trump pulled the country out of the Paris Climate Accord and undid what many environmentalists saw as already meagre progress in reducing the emissions of fossil fuels that cause global warming, Biden and his Democratic Party are scrambling to regain the climate policy ground they believe was lost under the previous administration.

Authorities from all over the world, particularly in Europe, have recently focused on the polluting vehicle industry. 
&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The state of California will vote this week on plans requiring all new cars sold to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, as the nation's largest economy propels a transition away from fossil fuels.

The state of California will vote this week on plans requiring all new cars sold to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, as the nation's largest economy propels a transition away from fossil fuels. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will discuss proposals this week that will formalise the goals established by Governor Gavin Newsom, and perhaps encourage other US states to follow suit. The plans, which board member Daniel Sperling previously told CNN he was "99.9 per cent" sure would be enacted, also include gradual stages requiring that more than a third of cars sold in the state by 2026 and more than two-thirds by 2030 be zero-emission vehicles. California has the largest market in the country with more than 40 million consumers. Because businesses cannot afford to lose out, regulations in the state have an impact on manufacturers' output plans across the nation and beyond. As a result, California can effectively establish national norms. The probable decision on Thursday follows the signing last week of a climate law by US President Joe Biden, which allocates hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives for clean energy initiatives. As the former president of the United States, Donald Trump pulled the country out of the Paris Climate Accord and undid what many environmentalists saw as already meagre progress in reducing the emissions of fossil fuels that cause global warming, Biden and his Democratic Party are scrambling to regain the climate policy ground they believe was lost under the previous administration. Authorities from all over the world, particularly in Europe, have recently focused on the polluting vehicle industry. (with inputs from agencies)

Goodbye to gas guzzlers: California to ban fossil fuel cars by 2035

Australia, long under fire as one of world's top producers of coal and gas, said it will target net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but added it will not legislate the goal and instead rely on consumers and companies to drive emission reductions.

The adoption of the target will ease international criticism after Australia earlier refused to join countries in pledging to meet the target ahead of the United Nations COP26 climate conference in Glasgow from October&nbsp;31 to November&nbsp;12.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases on a per capita basis, will achieve the target largely through technology development, with the government investing A$20 billion ($15 billion).

The investment will reduce the costs of technologies such as clean hydrogen and increase their use, he said.

Morrison has been in a political bind over climate change. He needs the support of rural votes who oppose the reducing emissions as he heads into an election that must take place by May, but much of the wider Australian population wants to see more action.

A widely watched poll on Monday showed Morrison is on course to lose to the centre-left Labor party. read more

On Tuesday, Morrison, sought to downplay any threat to domestic industries and jobs as a result of reducing emissions.

"Australians want action on climate change. They’re taking action on climate change, but they also want to protect their jobs and their livelihoods. They also want to keep the costs of living down,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“I also want to protect the Australian way of life, especially in rural and regional areas. The Australian way of life is unique.”

Morrison also said Australia will not strengthen its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 26-28 per cent&nbsp;from 2005 levels but added the country looks like it will reduce emissions by 30-35 per cent.

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Critics said Morrison's plan was too weak and does not prepare the Australian economy for a rapidly evolving world.

“Unless the government sets the wheels in motion to cut our emissions in half by 2030, it is making climate change worse and turning its back on the opportunities," said Kelly O’Shanassy, chief executive officer of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

"Australia cannot keep relying on coal and gas exports because these industries are on the way out and if those workers are not helped with the transition, they will be left high and dry."

Morrison struggled to gain backing for the net zero target from his coalition government's junior partner, the National Party, which has a regional power base reliant on agriculture and mining.

However, the party said on Sunday it would support a net zero target. According to the Australian Financial Review, the deal includes an agreement for increased spending on regional infrastructure and tax benefits for income derived from carbon farming.

Australia, long under fire as one of world's top producers of coal and gas, said it will target net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but added it will not legislate the goal and instead rely on consumers and companies to drive emission reductions.

Australia, long under fire as one of world's top producers of coal and gas, said it will target net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but added it will not legislate the goal and instead rely on consumers and companies to drive emission reductions. The adoption of the target will ease international criticism after Australia earlier refused to join countries in pledging to meet the target ahead of the United Nations COP26 climate conference in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12. Also Read | Saudi Arabia aims of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases on a per capita basis, will achieve the target largely through technology development, with the government investing A$20 billion ($15 billion). The investment will reduce the costs of technologies such as clean hydrogen and increase their use, he said. Morrison has been in a political bind over climate change. He needs the support of rural votes who oppose the reducing emissions as he heads into an election that must take place by May, but much of the wider Australian population wants to see more action. A widely watched poll on Monday showed Morrison is on course to lose to the centre-left Labor party. read more On Tuesday, Morrison, sought to downplay any threat to domestic industries and jobs as a result of reducing emissions. "Australians want action on climate change. They’re taking action on climate change, but they also want to protect their jobs and their livelihoods. They also want to keep the costs of living down,” he told reporters in Canberra. “I also want to protect the Australian way of life, especially in rural and regional areas. The Australian way of life is unique.” Morrison also said Australia will not strengthen its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 26-28 per cent from 2005 levels but added the country looks like it will reduce emissions by 30-35 per cent. Also Read | US: Plastics to overtake coal’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, says study Critics said Morrison's plan was too weak and does not prepare the Australian economy for a rapidly evolving world. “Unless the government sets the wheels in motion to cut our emissions in half by 2030, it is making climate change worse and turning its back on the opportunities," said Kelly O’Shanassy, chief executive officer of the Australian Conservation Foundation. "Australia cannot keep relying on coal and gas exports because these industries are on the way out and if those workers are not helped with the transition, they will be left high and dry." Morrison struggled to gain backing for the net zero target from his coalition government's junior partner, the National Party, which has a regional power base reliant on agriculture and mining. However, the party said on Sunday it would support a net zero target. According to the Australian Financial Review, the deal includes an agreement for increased spending on regional infrastructure and tax benefits for income derived from carbon farming.

Australia adopts target of net zero emissions by 2050 but won't legislate goal

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> will on Thursday unveil a target backed by the Detroit automakers for half of all cars sold in the United States by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, the White House announced.

The move is the latest reversal by Biden of former President Donald Trump's climate and environmental policies, and aims to promote a transformation of American transportation, the biggest source of the country's carbon emissions.

"The president will sign an executive order that sets an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles," a White House statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-tells-florida-texas-leaders-to-help-on-covid-19-or-get-out-of-the-way-402737" hreflang="en">Biden tells Florida, Texas leaders to help on COVID-19 or 'get out of the way'</a>

The order will position "America to drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China and tackle the climate crisis," it added.

News of the announcement drew modest praise from environmentalists, who stressed the need for additional measures given the worsening climate situation.

The Sierra Club's Katherine Garcia called the move a "meaningful signal to manufacturers," but said the target should be raised to 60 percent and be supplemented with "the strongest clean car standards possible."

Signficantly increasing electric vehicle (EV) usage in the United States -- which accounted for only about two percent of 2020 car sales -- is expected to depend on expanding charging stations and other infrastructure, as well as convincing Americans to buy the cars.

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Top US automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have all significantly expanded their EV investments, making the target "most likely achievable" by 2030, Executive Director of Insights at auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell said.

"But what's possibly the biggest hurdle ahead is consumer acceptance: what will it take for Americans to be willing to change their car ownership habits to go electric?" Caldwell said.

Infrastructure debate

In a joint statement, the "Big 3" automakers expressed their "shared aspiration to achieve sales of 40-50 percent" of the vehicles, but said the shift "can be achieved only" with initiatives such as consumer incentives to buy EVs and new infrastructure like a charging network.

Some of these measures are not included in the current infrastructure bill pending in the United States Senate, or are not funded at levels sought by the Biden administration.

The manufacturers BMW, Honda, Volkswagen and Volvo -- whose electric vehicles are often considered more advanced than their US competitors -- issued their own statement applauding the initiative.

One of America's largest unions, United Auto Workers (UAW), also rallied behind the move.&nbsp;

"The members of the UAW, current and future, are ready to build these electric cars and trucks and the batteries that go in them," President Ray Curry said in a statement released by the Biden administration.

The White House made no mention of Tesla, Elon Musk's company that has been credited with disrupting the US market towards EVs and leads the US market in their sales.

Although the 50 percent figure would not exceed what many American manufacturers were already considering, it is a steep target for the United States as a whole.

While around 10 percent of European car sales are of electric vehicles, they account for less than two percent in the United States, the International Energy Agency said in 2020.

Biden also intends to beef up fuel consumption and emissions regulations, which had been dramatically rolled back under Trump.

Measured praise

The current emissions regulations, which date from March 2020, require manufacturers to improve by 1.5 percent the energy efficiency of their vehicles between 2021 and 2026, less than the five percent demanded under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.

The Biden administration did not immediately unveil a new emissions objective.

Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp praised the announcement as positioning the United States to compete in the emerging transportation economy.

"Countries around the world are racing to eliminate pollution from their cars and trucks," Krupp said. "(Americans) can win this race, and our prize will be good jobs, savings at the gas pump for American families, cleaner air and a safer climate."

But the Natural Resources Defense Council's Simon Mui said more aggressive action was needed immediately "given how climate change has already turned our weather so violent."

The Environmental Protection Agency "must now move expeditiously to put strong standards in place to ensure automakers deliver on that goal while also slashing pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles," Mui said.&nbsp;

"Anything less puts our health and climate at unnecessary risk."

President Joe Biden will on Thursday unveil a target backed by the Detroit automakers for half of all cars sold in the United States by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, the White House announced.

President Joe Biden will on Thursday unveil a target backed by the Detroit automakers for half of all cars sold in the United States by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, the White House announced. The move is the latest reversal by Biden of former President Donald Trump's climate and environmental policies, and aims to promote a transformation of American transportation, the biggest source of the country's carbon emissions. "The president will sign an executive order that sets an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles," a White House statement said. Also read | Biden tells Florida, Texas leaders to help on COVID-19 or 'get out of the way' The order will position "America to drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China and tackle the climate crisis," it added. News of the announcement drew modest praise from environmentalists, who stressed the need for additional measures given the worsening climate situation. The Sierra Club's Katherine Garcia called the move a "meaningful signal to manufacturers," but said the target should be raised to 60 percent and be supplemented with "the strongest clean car standards possible." Signficantly increasing electric vehicle (EV) usage in the United States -- which accounted for only about two percent of 2020 car sales -- is expected to depend on expanding charging stations and other infrastructure, as well as convincing Americans to buy the cars. Also read | Pentagon says US has approved potential sales of howitzers to Taiwan Top US automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have all significantly expanded their EV investments, making the target "most likely achievable" by 2030, Executive Director of Insights at auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell said. "But what's possibly the biggest hurdle ahead is consumer acceptance: what will it take for Americans to be willing to change their car ownership habits to go electric?" Caldwell said. Infrastructure debate In a joint statement, the "Big 3" automakers expressed their "shared aspiration to achieve sales of 40-50 percent" of the vehicles, but said the shift "can be achieved only" with initiatives such as consumer incentives to buy EVs and new infrastructure like a charging network. Some of these measures are not included in the current infrastructure bill pending in the United States Senate, or are not funded at levels sought by the Biden administration. The manufacturers BMW, Honda, Volkswagen and Volvo -- whose electric vehicles are often considered more advanced than their US competitors -- issued their own statement applauding the initiative. One of America's largest unions, United Auto Workers (UAW), also rallied behind the move. "The members of the UAW, current and future, are ready to build these electric cars and trucks and the batteries that go in them," President Ray Curry said in a statement released by the Biden administration. The White House made no mention of Tesla, Elon Musk's company that has been credited with disrupting the US market towards EVs and leads the US market in their sales. Although the 50 percent figure would not exceed what many American manufacturers were already considering, it is a steep target for the United States as a whole. While around 10 percent of European car sales are of electric vehicles, they account for less than two percent in the United States, the International Energy Agency said in 2020. Biden also intends to beef up fuel consumption and emissions regulations, which had been dramatically rolled back under Trump. Measured praise The current emissions regulations, which date from March 2020, require manufacturers to improve by 1.5 percent the energy efficiency of their vehicles between 2021 and 2026, less than the five percent demanded under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama. The Biden administration did not immediately unveil a new emissions objective. Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp praised the announcement as positioning the United States to compete in the emerging transportation economy. "Countries around the world are racing to eliminate pollution from their cars and trucks," Krupp said. "(Americans) can win this race, and our prize will be good jobs, savings at the gas pump for American families, cleaner air and a safer climate." But the Natural Resources Defense Council's Simon Mui said more aggressive action was needed immediately "given how climate change has already turned our weather so violent." The Environmental Protection Agency "must now move expeditiously to put strong standards in place to ensure automakers deliver on that goal while also slashing pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles," Mui said. "Anything less puts our health and climate at unnecessary risk."

Biden to set target of half of US car sales to be zero-emission by 2030: White House

&nbsp;Deutsche Post&nbsp;DHL&nbsp;Group's&nbsp;StreetScooter&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicle unit will enter the&nbsp;US&nbsp;market next year as&nbsp;delivery&nbsp;firms and municipalities work to cut greenhouse gas&nbsp;emissions.

DHL&nbsp;will&nbsp;debut&nbsp;StreetScooter's&nbsp;zero-emission&nbsp;Work L&nbsp;delivery&nbsp;van in two urban&nbsp;US markets, one on each coast, starting in Spring 2020, the companies said. They did not specify which markets would be the first.

Full deployment could come in 2022 and 2023, said Ulrich Stuhec, StreetScooter's chief technology officer, who joined the company from Ford Motor Co in October.

Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Tokyo and 30 other&nbsp;cities&nbsp;around the globe have been working to establish&nbsp;zero-emission&nbsp;zones by 2030. Those&nbsp;cities&nbsp;hope to curb accumulating greenhouse gases that contribute to extreme weather, higher temperatures, and rising sea levels, which have steep economic, environmental and human costs.

The transportation industry - which includes fossil-fuel-burning ships, trains, trucks, and planes - accounted for 14 per cent&nbsp;of global greenhouse gas&nbsp;emissions in 2010, according to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Over the last three years,&nbsp;DHL&nbsp;has kicked off "CO2-free last-mile&nbsp;delivery" efforts with German&nbsp;cities&nbsp;like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.

Roughly 10,000 of the 12,000 StreetScooter&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles on the road make&nbsp;DHL&nbsp;deliveries. They operate in Amsterdam, Vienna, and&nbsp;cities&nbsp;around Germany - saving roughly 36,000 metric tons of CO2 per truck each year, StreetScooter said.

"We have the most experience on the road while others are still working on their first prototypes," StreetScooter's Stuhec said in a recent interview.&nbsp;

Up-and-coming&nbsp;delivery&nbsp;competitor Amazon.com Inc in September gave the&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicle industry a jolt with its plan to order 100,000&nbsp;electric&nbsp;delivery&nbsp;vans&nbsp;from Rivian Automotive LLC, a company it funds. The first&nbsp;vans&nbsp;should hit streets in 2021. Meanwhile,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-files-lawsuit-contesting-pentagons-10-billion-cloud-contract-to-microsoft-263976"> Amazon </a>said it's&nbsp;delivery&nbsp;partners are using around 200&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles.

United Parcel Service Inc has 1,000&nbsp;electric&nbsp;and hybrid&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles in its fleet, and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fedex-to-end-amazon-contract-for-fedex-express-plane-service-225431"> FedEx Corp</a>&nbsp;last year announced plans to deploy 1,000&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles in California.

DHL&nbsp;fully acquired StreetScooter in 2014. The unprofitable subsidiary is seeking new investors and customers to further ramp production. Current partners include the United Kingdom's Milk &amp; More, which ordered 200 trucks, and Japanese&nbsp;delivery&nbsp;firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missing-japanese-boy-found-alive-unharmed-190">Yamato</a>, which has started to deploy 500 planned vehicles.

In September, StreetScooter cracked the world's biggest&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicle market - signing a memorandum of understanding with Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile Co&nbsp;to begin&nbsp;electric&nbsp;van production in 2021.

Deutsche Post DHL Group's StreetScooter electric vehicle unit will enter the US market next year as delivery firms and municipalities work to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Deutsche Post DHL Group's StreetScooter electric vehicle unit will enter the US market next year as delivery firms and municipalities work to cut greenhouse gas emissions. DHL will debut StreetScooter's zero-emission Work L delivery van in two urban US markets, one on each coast, starting in Spring 2020, the companies said. They did not specify which markets would be the first. Full deployment could come in 2022 and 2023, said Ulrich Stuhec, StreetScooter's chief technology officer, who joined the company from Ford Motor Co in October. Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Tokyo and 30 other cities around the globe have been working to establish zero-emission zones by 2030. Those cities hope to curb accumulating greenhouse gases that contribute to extreme weather, higher temperatures, and rising sea levels, which have steep economic, environmental and human costs. The transportation industry - which includes fossil-fuel-burning ships, trains, trucks, and planes - accounted for 14 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2010, according to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Over the last three years, DHL has kicked off "CO2-free last-mile delivery" efforts with German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Roughly 10,000 of the 12,000 StreetScooter electric vehicles on the road make DHL deliveries. They operate in Amsterdam, Vienna, and cities around Germany - saving roughly 36,000 metric tons of CO2 per truck each year, StreetScooter said. "We have the most experience on the road while others are still working on their first prototypes," StreetScooter's Stuhec said in a recent interview. Up-and-coming delivery competitor Amazon.com Inc in September gave the electric vehicle industry a jolt with its plan to order 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian Automotive LLC, a company it funds. The first vans should hit streets in 2021. Meanwhile, Amazon said it's delivery partners are using around 200 electric vehicles. United Parcel Service Inc has 1,000 electric and hybrid electric vehicles in its fleet, and FedEx Corp last year announced plans to deploy 1,000 electric vehicles in California. DHL fully acquired StreetScooter in 2014. The unprofitable subsidiary is seeking new investors and customers to further ramp production. Current partners include the United Kingdom's Milk & More, which ordered 200 trucks, and Japanese delivery firm Yamato, which has started to deploy 500 planned vehicles. In September, StreetScooter cracked the world's biggest electric vehicle market - signing a memorandum of understanding with Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile Co to begin electric van production in 2021.

DHL to debut zero-emission electric delivery vans in US cities

Britain on Thursday became the world's first major economy to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-sets-deadline-for-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-226488"> adopt the tough new target</a> of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the order paper enacting the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament without a vote earlier this week.

"The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions," Skidmore said in a statement.

"Today we're leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy."

The deadline is more ambitious than Britain's previous policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period.

Finance minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-firms-foresee-1-trillion-climate-cost-hit-224236">cost more than £1.0 trillion</a> ($1.3 trillion, 1.1 trillion euros) to cut the 2050 target to net zero.

Britain's top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-apartheid-between-rich-and-poor-looms-united-nation-expert-warns-230621">'Climate apartheid' between rich and poor looms, United Nation expert warns</a>

The CCC said there would be a greater than 50 per cent chance of limiting the average global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the "safe" limit identified by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -- if Britain's move was replicated across the world.

"We're pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy," Skidmore said.

The government definition of "net zero" means that emissions are balanced by schemes to offset them.

These include planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon emitted from burning coal and oil.&nbsp;

Natural gas is a less-polluting fossil fuel that some economists see as a temporary option industries could adopt towards the net zero target.

Britain is also part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme -- a so-called "cap and trade" mechanism that has come under heavy criticism from environmental campaigners.

It tries to lower emissions by setting a price for carbon. Nations that exceed their emissions "cap" can purchase the non-used portions allocated to low-emitting nations.

Environmental campaigners say pollution has no national borders and that emissions trading does nothing to lower the global amount of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere.

Britain on Thursday became the world's first major economy to adopt the tough new target of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050. Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the order paper enacting the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament without a vote earlier this week.

Britain on Thursday became the world's first major economy to adopt the tough new target of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050. Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the order paper enacting the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament without a vote earlier this week. "The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions," Skidmore said in a statement. "Today we're leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy." The deadline is more ambitious than Britain's previous policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period. Finance minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could cost more than £1.0 trillion ($1.3 trillion, 1.1 trillion euros) to cut the 2050 target to net zero. Britain's top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production. Also read: 'Climate apartheid' between rich and poor looms, United Nation expert warns The CCC said there would be a greater than 50 per cent chance of limiting the average global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the "safe" limit identified by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -- if Britain's move was replicated across the world. "We're pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy," Skidmore said. The government definition of "net zero" means that emissions are balanced by schemes to offset them. These include planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon emitted from burning coal and oil. Natural gas is a less-polluting fossil fuel that some economists see as a temporary option industries could adopt towards the net zero target. Britain is also part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme -- a so-called "cap and trade" mechanism that has come under heavy criticism from environmental campaigners. It tries to lower emissions by setting a price for carbon. Nations that exceed their emissions "cap" can purchase the non-used portions allocated to low-emitting nations. Environmental campaigners say pollution has no national borders and that emissions trading does nothing to lower the global amount of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere.

Britain adopts 2050 net zero emissions target

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