The transport sector currently accounts for around 10% of carbon dioxide emissions in Wuhan, China. Accelerating urbanisation and increasing transport demand from the commercial and residential sectors in the city will continue to increase emissions rapidly over the coming years. If Wuhan’s development continues to be dominated by automobiles and fossil fuel-based transport, traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions will become more serious problems.

If appropriate environmental measures are implemented, the analysis shows it is possible for carbon dioxide emissions from Wuhan’s transport sector to reach their peak in 2029. With the right changes, the level of emissions from road-based vehicles and the subway system could peak sooner, in 2025. In order for Wuhan to meet its commitment of peaking city-wide all-sector combined emissions in 2022, more ambitious low-carbon actions should be taken in other sectors, including the industrial and building sectors.

Policy and actions that promote greater use of electric vehicles and public transport have the potential to bring the greatest reduction in emissions, along with increasing fuel efficiency and clean electricity, optimising freight distribution networks, and building capacity in data management and monitoring.

Cleaning up Wuhan’s carbon emissions will require action by both the city administration and the private sector.