Transport systems and mitigating climate change
How transport and travel contributes to climate change
In Europe, the EEA3 estimates that transport accounts for almost a quarter (24%) of GHG emissions; road transport
is responsible for more than 72% of transport-related CO2 emissions.4 Although the emission rates of most GHG
sources are starting to plateau or decline, transport-related emission rates are still steadily on the increase. Transport
energy use and carbon emissions are projected to be higher than current levels by 2030 as a result of continually
rising demand.
Mitigating these effects
A reduction in driving is the best long-term action to take for climate mitigation, and this will involve a rethinking
of urban development. Dalkmann and Brannigan5 propose a combination of three different approaches to reduce
CO2 emissions from transport:
l Avoid: Reduce the number and the length of journeys.
l Shift:Transfer mobility towards low-carbon modes of transport.
l Improve: Reduce the emissions produced by motorised transport systems.
Examples of what this might look like in practice include:
l Planning: Increase the modal share of walking and cycling trips by planning high urban density with mixed land
use close to public transport nodes.
l Regulation: Lower speed limits.
l Economic interventions: Road pricing, car parking charges and mobility credits or permits. Inner London’s
Congestion Charge zone came into effect in 2003 and has led to an estimated 19% reduction in traffic-related CO2
emissions and a 20% reduction in fuel consumption.6
l Information: Raise awareness of and promote alternative transport options.
l Technology: Improve vehicle efficiency and develop cleaner fuels – for example, biofuels, natural gas and hydrogen.