Read the Briefing published by Greenpeace and the Green Alliance on tackling transport related carbon emissions.

Transport accounts for 34% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, the highest contribution of any sector. Its emissions have grown by 12% since 1990, and cars and vans account for 70% of the total.

The report states that the UK is not on track to meet its decarbonisation commitments to 2032. They estimate that an additional 77 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) must be saved to meet the fifth carbon budget, set for the period 2028 to 2032 inclusive.

In February, the government announced plans to bring forward the phase-out date for the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans from 2040 to 2035 or possibly earlier.

The report shows why the phase-out date for the sale of new internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid cars and vans must be brought forward to 2030. Other target dates will not put the UK on track to meet the fifth carbon budget.

Commenting on the briefing, Stephen Bennett, Chair of the Transport Planning Society, said,

“This is a welcome contribution from Green Alliance and Greenpeace to the transport decarbonisation debate.

“With transport leading all other sectors for greenhouse gas emissions we must phase out fossil fueled vehicles. But simple switching the fleet isn’t enough. We need governments across the UK to reprioritise spending to public transport, walking, cycling and shared modes.

“We look forward to debating this, among other topics, at this year’s Transport Planning Day.”

https://www.green-alliance.org.uk/resources/Green_Alliance_Greenpeace_2030_ICE_Phase-Out_Briefing_September_2020.pdf

Climate Change is the theme for Transport Planning Day 2020. Go to the TPS website for more information https://tps.org.uk/tp-day-2020-announced