Transport’s emissions still growing
The transport sector continues to be Europe's worst emitter of greenhouse gases, according to the European Environment Agency's official inventory report on emissions in 2006 released last month.
Emissions from road transport rose 0.7% in 2006 while overall emissions in the 27 EU member states fell by 0.3%. Aviation’s and shipping’s contributions rose sharply.
Across all sectors, emissions of carbon dioxide remained stable, while the overall 0.3% reduction was mainly due to reduced emissions of nitrous oxide from chemical plants.
Lower gas and oil use in households also contributed.
Total EU greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 were just over 51 billion tonnes, about 7.7% below 1990 levels, leaving Europe on track for its reduction target under the Kyoto protocol of 8% by the end of this year.
Related Articles
View All
What the Electrification Action Plan means for transport
T&E's in-depth review of the EU Commission's Electrification Action Plan
EU risks losing ground to China in race to produce green shipping fuels
Europe’s 69 e-fuel projects could deliver zero-emission fuels to shipping by 2033, but only six are operational. Regulatory measures would help more a...
EU takes half-hearted step towards taxing international flights
Extension of ETS to some international flights, private jets and to smaller ships are steps forward, but overall weakening of the ETS undermines Europ...