What Government is doing
Reducing CO2 emissions from transport
Greenhouse gases from transport represent more than one-fifth (21%) of total UK domestic emissions, so lowering the CO2 produced by travel will play a crucial role in the Government’s push for greenhouse gas emissions at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The steps being taken to meet this commitment include:
Delivering real reductions in CO2 emissions
Measures set out in the Government's carbon reduction strategy for transport, Low Carbon Transport: A Greener Future (July 2009) along with existing transport policies, will deliver a projected additional 14% reduction in CO2 emissions on 2008 levels by 2020. This will save an additional 85 million tonnes of CO2 from 2018 to 2022.
Using technology to reduce CO2 emissions
Government aims to harness the full potential of low carbon technology across all transport modes and it is supporting research and development to achieve this. On the roads, vehicles will be vastly more fuel-efficient by 2022. The design of the conventional internal combustion engine will be improved – and there will be new ultra-low emission vehicles on the mass market.
Government also wants improved energy efficiency in rail operations. It is supporting industry initiatives to deliver this and has announced the first big electrification of the rail network since the 1980s.
Action to encourage and promote the uptake of more fuel-efficient aircraft technology is being taken. More widely, there is a commitment to ensuring that transport fuels are cleaner, greener and less carbon intensive. Promoting the use of sustainable biofuels is an important part of Government strategy.
Encouraging people to use low carbon travel
Technology can never be the whole answer to lowering travel’s carbon footprint. All of us need to think about the choices we make about if, when, and how to travel.
Part of the Government’s solution is to make public transport an accessible, attractive, low carbon and easy-to-use option for individuals and businesses by providing substantial financial support for the rail and bus sectors.
Better coordination and integration of different services will improve the attractiveness and convenience of public transport. Substantial investment is being made to encourage cycling and promote sustainable travel initiatives more widely.
Speeding up the shift to lower carbon transport
Carbon costs are being factored into the prices paid for transport, and price signals are being sent to businesses and individuals. For example, by incentivising fuel-efficient behaviour through measures such as fuel duty, company car tax and vehicle excise duty.
The UK has been pushing for international action to manage aviation emissions. We are one of the leading countries promoting the introduction of aviation in 2012 into the EU Emissions Trading System – a legally binding mechanism which will cap CO2 emissions across the EU.
The UK has also set a pioneering target to reduce emissions from UK aviation to below 2005 levels by 2050 – setting a challenge to the aviation industry to innovate and adopt better fuel efficiency.
More information on how the Government intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport is available in the Low Carbon Transport: A Greener Future (July 2009).
Government acts to combat climate change
The UK faces unprecedented challenges to our environment, our economy, and the future security of our energy supplies. The decisions we make now will affect the planet and our way of life for generations to come.
Could you drive 5 miles less a week?
Car travel is the single biggest contributor to our personal CO2 emissions. Together we can begin to make a difference by driving 5 miles less a week.
Driving your car
There are a few easy things you can do when you drive and look after your car to help reduce the amount of fuel you burn and so cut down on CO2 emissions.
