Transport and climate change

 

 

For every litre of petrol used in a motor vehicle, 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) is released from the exhaust.

Australian Department of Environment and Heritage, Transport Update 2008

Australia's road transport (cars and freight) is responsible for about 14% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions. In 1990, that figure was 9%.

Road vehicles are also a major source of air pollution and allergic reactions in vulnerable people in inner-urban areas. Emissions from vehicles include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and particulates. Passenger vehicles contribute to about 47% of carbon monoxide emissions, 40% of nitrogen oxide, 27% of hydrocarbons and 4% of particles in the air. Despite an increase in car use over the last decade, air pollution from road vehicles has been decreasing over time. This is due to a tightening of vehicle emissions regulations and standards, especially in cars manufactured after 1985. Fuel spillage and leakage is also a source of pollution (potentially soil, water and air) and can occur during refuelling, overfilling, evaporation through worn seals and poorly fitted hubcaps, and leaky parts.

In addition, road construction and maintenance materials (such as asphalt, concrete and fill) are in themselves major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Effects of peak oil

Oil is not a renewable resource. There is very good evidence to suggest that global oil production has already peaked and is now in decline. As the global population grows (along with its demands), fuel is likely to increase in cost and become less accessible. There is also the potential of ‘peak oil' or a sudden and dramatic decline in the availability of oil for fuel or its many other uses. This can impact significantly on the way we design for travel and transportation as well as on traditional modes of transport such as cars and buses.

 

Effects of climate change

As global economies move to introduce carbon restrictions and caps on greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of all vehicle travel including air and freight will rise steeply. It is highly likely that within the next 5-10 years, there will be a revolution in fuel for cars and other road vehicles (perhaps involving electricity or hydrogen), but the technology does not yet stretch to long-distance freight and air travel. 

Increasing fuel costs and restrictions on producing carbon will also have an effect on the cost of foods, materials and products that have to be transported long distances.

To find out more about climate change, visit our Climate Change pages.