Review on Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector in China: Overview, Analysis, and Perspectives

Abstract: This review identifies challenges and effective strategies to decarbonize China's rapidly growing transportation sector, currently the third largest carbon emitter, considering China's commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Key challenges include rising travel demand, unreached peak car ownership, declining bus ridership, gaps between energy technology research and practical application, and limited institutional capacity for decarbonization. This review categorizes current decarbonization measures, strategies, and policies in China's transportation sector using the "Avoid, Shift, Improve" framework, complemented by a novel strategic vector of "Institutional Capacity & Technology Development" to capture broader development perspectives. This comprehensive analysis aims to facilitate informed decision-making and promote collaborative strategies for China's transition to a sustainable transportation future.