Published:
19 Dec 2008 - Transport’s carbon footprint
is a major obstacle to achieving a sustainable,
low-carbon economy in Europe. A new report
by the European Environment Agency (EEA)
urges policy makers to take a fresh approach
to address the spiralling growth of transport,
supporting “realistic” measures that include
pricing schemes for unsustainable mobility
and improving citizens’ awareness about
the environmental consequences of their
shopping basket and travel choices.
Decisions made by business
and individuals alike shape transport demand.
‘Beyond transport policy - exploring and
managing the external drivers of transport
demand’ compiles case studies from the agricultural,
business, leisure and educational sector
and provides possible responses to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions through more effective
transport planning.
Europeans enjoy affordable
and convenient access to an increased number
of leisure and business destinations around
the globe, says the report, but both work
and holiday-related mobility is more and
more dependant on air travel. Tourism strategies
are favouring new forms of vacation such
as “city breaks”, in addition to an increased
flow of people flying to meet their families
over holiday seasons. Parents choose to
drive their children to school due to poor
transport alternatives and fears over road
safety, contributing to road congestion.
The EEA report brings
out policy examples that can moderate transport
demand and, in some cases, balance the negative
effects of greater mobility for citizens
and freight. Including aviation in the EU
Emission Trading Scheme —as agreed recently
by EU Member States— supports the goal of
addressing increased demand for air transport
by internalising its external costs.
Other findings include
the following:
Policy makers should
ensure citizens are well informed about
the carbon footprint of their commuting
and holiday travel Labelling schemes for
food should be improved, displaying the
environmental effects of the chain from
“farm to fork”.
Businesses are encouraged
to switch to teleconferencing as an effective
way to cut on both greenhouse gas emissions
and travel costs.
Individual travel planning
and better land and urban planning can be
instrumental in decreasing travel distances
—reducing distances between schools and
residential areas.
