On track to climate neutral long-distance travel 2045 - technology, travel patterns, high-altitude impact

Research Project, 2019 – 2023

Purpose and goal: The purpose of this project is (1) to outline solutions that can make the development in the sector of long-distance travel compatible with the climate goals and (2) to analyze policy combinations (sequences) that can realize such developments. As it is important to quickly reduce the climate impact, the focus is on solutions / instruments that can give effect within 10-25 years, but which are also compatible with long-term sustainable development paths. We will develop scientific decision support which we will spread to decision-makers and in the public debate. Expected results and effects: The emissions from Swedish long-distance travel amounts to around 13 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents of which aviation stands for 10 million tons. The results from this project will e.g. include recommendations regarding choice of vehicle technologt, fuels and means of transport. An analysis of policy packages also constitutes an important result. The results of the project, and their communication, is anticipated to give a significant contribution to reducing the climate impact of long-distance travel to levels in line with the Paris targets. Approach and implementation: The project consists of the following work packages: 1. Technology solutions; aircraft, fuels, trains, ICT (a) Potential for efficient turboprop aircraft (b) Fuel choices for the aviation sector 2. Decreased high altitude effect (a) Ways to reduce high altitude impact (b) Differentiated high altitude factor 3. Changed travel patterns (a) Potential for changed travel patterns (b) Attitudes to changed travel patterns 4. Synthesis and policy innovation (a) Synthesis of technical alternatives, organization and travel patterns (b) Analysis of sequences of policies until 2045.