Recession cuts transport emissions in EU
Emissions of many pollutants from transport fell in 2009, but an economic upturn is likely to fuel a recovery in pollution levels warns the European Environment Agency (EEA)
The EEA report shows that some efficiency gains have been made, with new cars in 2010 approximately one-fifth more efficient than in 2000, for example.
However, accelerating demand often outpaced the relatively modest efficiency gains, even if the recession slowed activity in some areas, says the EEA.
It found that between 1990 and 2009, demand for transport grew by approximately one-third, leading to a 27 % increase in greenhouse gases from transport in the same period.
New figures from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that emissions from new vehicles continue to fall, with CO2 from new cars dropping a further 3.5% to 144.2g/km in 2010.
According the SMMT, in 2010 half of all new cars built in the UK had an emissions rating of below 140g/km and the number producing less than 100g/km doubled.