Globalization, international transport and the global environment: Technological innovation, policy making and the reduction of transportation emissions

Abstract

This article evaluates the opportunities and the feasibility of technological innovations in transport systems in relation to goals of mitigating global air pollution and climate change. The analytical framework for this technological assessment is formed by the life cycle theory, in which technological innovations are related to the development phase of a transport system (introduction, growth, maturity and decline). Based on a discussion on the driving forces for technological development within the different modes of transport spearheads for technological innovations are being presented. In addition, the role of the government in exerting influence on these development paths is being discussed. The analysis shows that the rate of technological change is slow and the effectiveness of policies to encourage implementation of new transport technologies to reduce emissions on a global scale is limited. Technological innovations can contribute to the reduction of emissions in the international transport sector, but it will be a long term process to generate significant results.