Transport GHG emissions in EU continue to grow

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday November 17, 2017

Although total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the European Union (EU) are in decline, those from transport including shipping have risen for the third year running.

Citing the latest data from the European Environment Agency, Brussels-based non-governmental organisation Transport & Environment (T&E) said that transport emissions make up 27% of the EU total.

"Total EU emissions had been steadily declining since peak emissions in 2007, but they have flatlined from 2014," T&E said. In contrast, emissions from transport have grown with cars, vans, trucks and buses making the biggest contribution EU transport emissions.

"These emissions have been growing since 2013 despite carbon dioxide standards for cars and vans in force since 2009," T&E said.

It said that the lack of efficiency improvements and low take up of renewable fuels against rising demand are the primary reasons behind the increase.

The debate on shipping's contribution to GHG is well under way. The Ambition 1.5% event brought together industry representatives and environmentalists ahead of the United Nations major event on climate change, COP23, in Germany this month.