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United States
Net-zero target: 2050 / Motorisation rate (2020): 908,5 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants / Change in transport sector emissions (1990-2019): 23,3 % / Projected total CO2 emissions per capita in the transport sector in 2030: 4,40 t
The US features large urban clusters on its western and eastern seaboards, while inland areas are less densely populated. The large distances between cities make air travel an increasingly important mode of transport, accounting for 15% of passenger transport volume in 2019. Mass transit and rail travel play a minor role in passenger transport, with a share below 1%, the lowest in the G20. However, rail plays an important role in freight, accounting for just over 40% of freight volume in 2017.
In the long term, the US aims to reduce GHG emissions from aviation to or below 2019 levels by 2030 and to set a related sustainable aviation fuel target. Half of LDV sales are to be electric by 2030 and the government aims to replace its complete fleet with electric vehicles by 2035. Tax incentives to support the electrification targets are strongly enhanced in the new 'Inflation Reduction Act'.
Key figures on transport and climate
Published in Towards Decarbonizing Transport 2023.