Spatial planning and transport energy transition towards a low carbon system.

Abstract

In recent years, transport-related carbon emissions in cities have been increasingly recognized as a vital issue in relation to climate change. A transition in urban transport energy use has been called for by both politicians and the public. The use of less energy generally and greener energy if possible have been widely accepted by planners as the two goals of this transition. However, the question of whether and how we can achieve these goals through spatial planning remains debatable. This paper conducts a literature review examining the role of spatial planning in the transition in urban transport energy use. Four major aspects of spatial planning are discussed with regard to its influence on this transition: effectiveness, efficiency, equity and enforcement. Furthermore, the four main elements of the urban transport energy transition process will be addressed: instruments, individuals, institutions and the complex interactions between them. Ultimately, it is difficult to say whether spatial planning can play an efficient role in assisting the transition in urban transport energy use. However, it is clear that if it is to do so, it must be supported by proper policy instruments and enforced in a manner that changes current human practices and market conditions in the field of transport. Dealing with socio-technical uncertainties in the process of transition is another challenge to spatial planning. More innovative approaches are needed if spatial planning practice is to assist in the transition towards a low carbon urban transport system and a low carbon city.