The Paths to Decarbonisation Through Cities and Seas

Abstract

Eco-responsible cities have to ensure access for all, at all times, to clean, secure, and affordable energy. Investments in energy efficiency and sustainably managed renewable energy resources can only have beneficial effects. Renewables, the central pillar of the energy transition, have conquered most cities of the world. In 2015, renewables globally surpassed coal to represent the largest source of installed power capacity: they then continuously broke records. Still, this is not sufficient to cap temperature increase to 43°, less than 2 °C. Global emissions from energy reached their peak also in 2015. The world has inexorably entered an era of lower energy intensity. Offshore wind energy generation and ocean blue–green energy, including tidal and wave energy, can far extend possibilities on the scene of the future. Sustainable mobility and accessibility are fundamental for an equitable society and for linking the first and the last mile of all urban journeys to terrestrial and maritime networks and the broader world through integrated, smarter, and cleaner transport. This chapter offers an insight into evolving energy production and consumption patterns, and the concerted efforts to raise the bar of sustainability excellence and overcome national and supranational energy targets. Intelligent mobility and connected and automated driving will be essential for the shift towards post-carbon cities, making the most of digital technologies and speeding up the deployment of zero-emission alternatives. Automated eco-ships may also be a reality in the near future.