Infrastructure
The crisis fostered by COVID-19 provides an opportune time to build back greener and more inclusively. Although we have noticed sizable progress under international agreements, the way ahead lies ultimately with countries themselves.
Infrastructure is a major contributor to carbon emissions. The energy and transport sectors account for over half of global emissions. While there has been encouraging progress in energy, the decarbonization of transport lags far behind and has yet to become a strong focus for policymakers and development partners.
We will need to ensure that transport’s decarbonization is a “just transition.” A just transition is one that does not perpetuate the existing set of winners and losers, addresses the concerns of “stranded” workers and communities, and gives a seat at the table to a wide range of stakeholders who will help us design equitable transition plans.