Academic & Crossref DOI Search

Abstract: As a low-friction transportation system, rail has some strong environmental credentials. However, it also has a reliance on some carbon-intensive technologies and materials that make a transition to net zero problematic. This chapter examines the prospects for net zero railways through the lens of Holden et al.’s (2020) nine grand narratives for sustainable mobility. These nine narratives are the product of three stakeholder groups (specified here as the rail industry, government bodies, and end-users) and three intervention types (improve, shift, and avoid). Overall, it is argued that a mix of measures will be required to deliver net zero railways (and in turn net zero transport) that also meet wider sustainability goals, and that this mix will be context dependent.

Abstract: The article briefly comments on the “Net-Zero by 2070” ambition which India has promised at the COP 26. It assesses the feasibility of this target from technical and financial angle, and underscores some of the key underlying challenges, such as greenwashing. From a technical standpoint, article derives a practical challenge related to grid integration of renewable energy sources, utility of isolated microgrid setups, and the associated high capital requirements therein. Thereafter, the article draws a comparison between the promised budget allocation towards climate change related projects and the current standings of those projects. For facilitating the green financing, instruments like green bonds often get caught in the frame of greenwashing which acts yet another obstacle for achieving the 2070 target, and thus eventually leading to a conclusion which necessitates a practical and pragmatic approach to achieve the 2070 target.