SDG 13-Oriented Freight Decarbonization through Railway Modal Shift: A Scenario-Based Assessment of Carbon Reduction Potential in the Umm Qasr–Mosul Corridor, Iraq

Abstract

Freight transport is a key facilitator for economic growth, international business, and supply chains connectivity; however, increased freight activities have been identified as major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental problems. Road freight transport systems that involve mainly heavy-duty vehicles cause higher fuel consumption, carbon emissions, congestion, and road deterioration. Thus, the development of low-carbon solutions for freight transportations is vital for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) – Climate Action via reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable transport policy making. In Iraq, freight transportation is road network-based leading to increased environmental impact and difficulties in sustainable logistics development. Modernization of railway transport systems is considered as potential directions towards freight decarbonization, but quantified assessments of the carbon reduction potential still lack. The current research attempts to fill this gap by proposing a scenario-based assessment framework targeting SDG 13 to assess environmental and economic effects of railway modal shift of freight traffic on the Umm Qasr–Mosul freight transport corridor. Proposed framework includes comparative emissions assessment of the road and rail transportations in different modal shift scenarios with consideration of projected freight traffic volumes, activity analysis in tonne-kilometres and standard CO₂ emission factors. Four scenarios reflecting the proportion of freight shifting from road to rail transport in 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% correspondingly are being analyzed for different transport distances to estimate potential carbon emissions reduction. As observed, the railway freight system emits considerably less greenhouse gases than heavy trucks. It shows that modal shift is quite beneficial for achieving emission reduction, which is crucial for carbon reduction in transportation systems. This paper also estimates the financial value of such avoidance by applying carbon pricing techniques. The results show that the railway modal shift can be used for contributing to SDG 13 in a clear manner. The research provides valuable information on sustainable transport planning. It helps in implementing low-carbon policies in Iraq.