The NDC Transport Initiative for Asia – Phase 2 is a regional initiative aiming at a holistic approach to decarbonize the freight transport sector in China, India, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Building on Phase 1, where a holistic approach to the decarbonization of the transport sector was promoted, Phase 2 shifts its focus to freight transport. The project analyses the electrification of commercial vehicles in partner countries and advances emission reductions from freight transport through evidence-based knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, technical analysis, and gender-responsive approaches. On regional level, partner countries deepen mutual understanding between energy and transport stakeholders via dialogue, joint conceptualization and a dedicated toolkit, supporting collaboration on the transport-energy nexus.
Freight transport emits annually around 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions (MIT Climate Portal). In China, India and Vietnam, about 70% of freight activity was carried out by trucks in 2022, making road freight a major contributor to emissions (Statista; NITI Aayog). With global freight volumes expected to triple by 2050, there is an urgent need to decarbonize the freight transport sector in Asia to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
*This image is AI-generated and used for illustrative purposes only.
In each of the partner countries, the consortium supports the design and information of stakeholder processes and the development of selected climate protection measures. In this way, the partners are supported in making their sectoral contributions to the achievement of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement and in raising their ambitions for long-term strategies.
As a regional initiative, the programme disseminates appropriate knowledge in Asia via existing platforms. By linking with regional stakeholders and other Asian countries, it contributes to promoting a comprehensive approach to decarbonizing freight transport. At the global level, the programme will contribute its experience to the UNFCCC process and the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.
To explore the impact of NDC-TIA — from national policy shifts to city-level change — visit our NDC-TIA Impact Website, which features stories, data, and examples from across Asia.
The NDC Transport Initiative for Asia is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany. Within the Federal Government, the IKI is anchored in the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
