Program Updates
Reflections on COP29
The two weeks I spent in Baku for COP29 were energizing. Time I shared with colleagues from across the globe left me feeling hopeful: We are making progress toward a decarbonized future, but there is still much work to do. Here are my five key takeaways from COP:
- Pairing zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs) with renewable-powered charging compounds emissions reductions globally and is especially promising in emerging markets and developing economies. Over the life of an electric vehicle, emissions reductions can increase up to 94% when vehicles are powered by renewable energy. It was a pleasure to partner with International Solar Alliance, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to deliver an engaging discussion around this topic during Driving Green: Solar-Powered Electric Mobility for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
- Regulations aligned with the standard-setting Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ZE-MHDVs are crucial to create market certainty and match stakeholder responsibilities with timelines to meet Paris climate goals. Our 2024 Multi-Country Action Plan showcases progress and needed action on policy worldwide and exchanges between countries, such as those in the workshop we co-hosted with the Government of Israel titled Zero-Emission Trucks and Buses: Ambition to Regulation, to transfer knowledge, grow collaboration, and lead to accelerated policy developments.
- We need to know each other as humans. Our work is intense, and in our focus, we sometimes miss seeing each other as complex people with common values. Telling our true stories, listening fully, and moving beyond the surface invites lasting connection. Thank you to all who joined our Breaking Barriers networking session, and thank you to BirdLife International and Iberdrola for a stunning exploration of Azerbaijan’s national parks!
- The hunger for concrete action was a shared sentiment across COP. We agreed that we must transform the ecosystem of people and goods movement to one that is sustainable, resilient, and just. The Global Green Road Corridors (GGRC) initiative serves as an anchor to advance the aim of zero-emission transport from ports, highways, and depots to communities and cities. Drive to Zero launched a white paper that identifies key factors to accelerate zero-emission technology along corridors, and I’m thrilled to elevate corridors in Poland and the United States—both led by Smart Freight Centre—as the tenth and eleventh GGRCs.
- Being in person with cherished allies and knowing allies from afar are with you makes all the difference. My heart feels full after spending time with people like Dr. Max Puig, and from knowing that the Global MOU team of the Netherlands and Drive to Zero is in sync, no matter the miles that separate us. I am filled with hope for healthier communities and the planet because of the unwaveringly virtuous humans that are committed to making it so.
My time at COP affirmed that the work of our Global MOU country signatories and industry endorsers is more critical than ever. Across panels and one-to-one meetings, I saw our community moving on solutions to meet our biggest transition challenges head-on. The power of aligned ambition is immense, and that of collective action is even greater. It requires each of us—including you.
-Stephanie Kodish, Global Director, Drive to Zero
P.S. – You can read our full COP29 recap on our website.
Special Features
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| The Drive to Zero team was thrilled to reveal the updated Multi-Country Action Plan at COP29. This report—the third annual Global Progress Toward Decarbonizing Transportation: Multi-Country Action Plan for the 2024 Update (MCAP)—highlights the forward action of the 38 Global MOU country signatories toward fulfilling the goal of the Global MOU, calling for 30 percent of new MHDV sales to be zero-emission by 2030, and 100 percent of new MHDV sales to be zero-emission by 2040.
The 2024 MCAP, prepared with Global MOU countries and endorsers, provides new information on the overall ZE-MHDV market and offers an overview of the impactful policy measures implemented by Global MOU signatory nations. It showcases current policies adopted to date and recommendations for governments and other stakeholders to adapt into their rule-making processes, planning, and investments to accelerate the global zero-emission transport sector faster, smarter, and more inclusively. In addition, the report identifies key actions and interventions for finance and infrastructure stakeholders, emphasizing that proactive collaboration, long-term planning, and innovative problem-solving are needed to realize the ambition of the Global MOU and a clean transportation future for all. The MCAP was co-authored by Drive to Zero’s Owen MacDonnell and Stephanie Kodish. |
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