The transport sector represents third the overall energy consumption in the EEA member states (European Environment Agency) and is responsible for 1/5 the greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, for a significant percent of air pollution. However, at the same time, transports is a vital component of the society and of the economy and, as long-run estimates indicate a constant increase of the transport demand and the necessary energy is still 96% oil-dependent, a significant increase of emissions cannot be avoided. Transport-generated emissions dropped due to the financial downturn, but this is only a temporary effect and long-run positive results demand the implication of authorities.
According to the annual report of the European Environment Agency (EEA), which analyses a set of objectives proposed in the European Commission’s Roadmap on Transport, the emissions of several polluting gases ge-nerated by transport dropped in 2009 as a temporary consequence of the economic crisis. “The emissions level of all transport pollutants dropped in 2009 as the demand plunged. However, this reduction is the result of the economic downturn. It is ne-cessary a broader reorientation of the European transport system, so that emissions would not increase, not even during strong economic growth periods”, said Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director EEA.
Consequently, the new objectives included on EC’s agenda will further represent a framework for the drafting European, national and local policies and for approaching transport-related environment aspects. The report indicates the fact that there are significant opportunities for solving this problem. The EU objective on cutting emissions (by 60% by 2050 compared to 1990), “will be very difficult to meet only by technical means (for example, technological improvement can have a rebound effect – the optimisation of energy efficiency will lead to an increase in the number of automotive vehicles)” Therefore, optimising the energy-efficiency for a better use of vehicles and eliminating useless travels will be absolutely indispensable and can help reduce global emissions, optimise the air quality and reduce noise. Another proposed solution that will contribute to meeting EU objectives is modal shifts to other sustainable means of transport and the stress falls on shifting transport demand from road and air transport to railway and waterway transport.
[ by Pamela Luică ]
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