Road Freight Transport and Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Policy Options for Tunisia

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyze the relationship between annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from road freight transport and some influencing factors in Tunisia, namely, energy emission, fuel use, and road freight transport intensities. To do so, a decomposition method of emission intensity has been applied. The fossil fuel emission intensity is found to be the main factor in emission reduction while energy and transport intensities are the main drivers of emission growth. In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the Tunisian transport authorities are invited to approve several instruments (economic, fiscal, and regulatory) to reduce both energy and transport intensities. Decoupling road freight activity from economic growth by shifting to rail mode would be one main solution to reduce transport intensity. Incentives to use clean fuel and clean vehicles are also considered be to be helpful tools to enhance energy efficiency.