Global South Center for Clean Transportation

The Global South Center (GSC) is a research center within the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) focused on advancing clean energy transitions across transportation and energy systems in emerging and developing economies. It is rooted in a simple theory of change: policy certainty creates markets – markets drive technology and innovation – market scale de-risks capital flows. Building on ITS-Davis’s mission of rigorous research, policy engagement, education and workforce development, the GSC works with governments, multilateral institutions, and local partners to generate evidence-based research that supports policymaking at every scale.

The center has a cross-cutting research portfolio across South Asia, Africa and Latin America, with strategic country-level programs in India, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia and Kenya.  The center serves as the founding member and secretariat of the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South and the California-Africa Climate and Economic Partnership.

Vision & Mission

We envision a Global South where clean, affordable transportation empowers 80% of the world’s majority in creating thriving communities and economies while safeguarding the environment. Our mission is to design and implement clean transportation and energy transition strategies that strengthen government capacity and industry action advancing economic development, security, and climate solutions through rigorous, accessible, and policy-relevant research.

Thematic priorities

• Developing policies for transitions to zero-emission vehicles, including two-wheelers, buses, trucks, and cars

• Ensuring safe, sustainable supply chains and critical minerals for energy transitions

• Advancing sustainable fuels for transportation

• Unlocking access to finance for vehicle electrification