A Review of Global Road Transportation and Climate Change: Mitigation Strategies and Adaptation Challenges in Developing Countries
Abstract
Road transportation is a significant and rapidly growing contributor to Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, exacerbating climate change. This impact is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where burgeoning populations, urbanization, and increasing motorization rates are driving a rapid expansion of road networks and vehicle fleets. Simultaneously, these nations are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and changing precipitation patterns, which directly threaten road infrastructure and mobility. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the complex interplay between global road transportation and climate change, with a specific focus on the unique challenges and opportunities present in developing countries. It examines various mitigation strategies aimed at reducing emissions from the road transport sector and explores the critical need for adaptation measures to enhance the resilience of road infrastructure against climate impacts. Furthermore, it discusses the prevalent barriers to implementing these strategies and highlights potential solutions, including innovative financing mechanisms and integrated policy frameworks.
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