Socioeconomic, political and environmental consequences on the use of fossil energy in road transport: A case study of the truck drivers’ strike in São Paulo, Brazil

• Published in: Environmental development 2025-06, Vol.54, Article 101117
• Main Authors: Sthel, Marcelo Silva, Mota, Leonardo, Linhares, Fernanda Gomes, Lima, Marcenilda Amorim, Lima, Guilherme Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diesel; Environment; Gaseous emissions; Strike; Transport
• ISSN: 2211-4645
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2024.101117

The study analyzes the consequences of Brazil’s reliance on fossil fuels in the transportation sector, focusing on the 2018 truckers’ strike. The strike, driven by high diesel prices, exposed the fragility of the system and resulted in billions of dollars in losses. A positive effect of the strike was the reduction of air pollution in São Paulo, with significant drops in NO2 (49.4%), CO (59.4%), and PM2.5 (54.2%), especially in Marginal Tietê. This temporary improvement indicated that sustaining the low PM2.5 levels achieved during the strike or implementing the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO), could prevent thousands of annual deaths from cardiopulmonary diseases and lung cancer. The work also highlights the importance of Brazil’s biofuel program, with ethanol and biodiesel, as an alternative to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The diversification of the transport matrix, with the expansion of the railway network, is likely crucial for a more efficient and environmentally friendly system. The research concludes that public policies to encourage public transport, electric vehicles, and urban planning, along with private sector investments, are essential to building a more sustainable transportation matrix in Brazil. [Display omitted] •The truckers’ strike revealed a dangerous dependence on road transport and fossil fuel.•Transport sector is a high emitter of polluting gases.•The strike reduced air pollution but created socioeconomic and political problems.•The strike paralyzed the country, causing catastrophic impacts on food, fuel and medicines.•The country has suffered from the consequences of the strike until today.