The Underlying Structure of Low Carbon Mobility

Abstract

This chapter shows that electric transport technologies along with renewable natural gas and biofuels can provide the low carbon mobility base for the future but that structural changes reducing the need to travel by car, truck and plane are also needed for this transition. The potential for creating cities free of automobile dependence now enables us to create oil-free cities that are strongly economically competitive and highly live­able. The technologies and practices outlined suggest that we can be oil-free by 2050 and renewably based oil-free by 2100 as outlined by the IPCC. The structural changes outlined suggest that the changes in transportation, urban design and city planning, are well underway but must continue if we are to meet global carbon goals. Continuing reduction in automobile dependence and the growth in new technologies can enable us to create cities that are oil-free, based on options that are viable and attractive.