The impact of transport in the UK
About the report
An analysis the UK’s current personal transport patterns and potential strategies for reducing this impact. The report examines a variety of strategies including increased efficiency of current transport modes, public transport and biofuels. Scenarios, based on transport patterns in the South East are also modelled to highlight potential strategies.
Published October 2008
Pages 70
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Executive summary
Personal transport accounts for 16% of the UK’s ecological footprint and domestic transport currently represents around 23% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, excluding those associated with international air travel (which in 2004 accounted for over ten million tonnes of carbon). Transport demand, particularly for road and air travel is increasing every year, as are the associated environmental impacts.
This report analyses the UK’s current personal transport patterns and examines potential strategies for reducing this impact. The report examines a variety of strategies including increased efficiency of current transport modes, public transport and biofuels. Scenarios, based on transport patterns in the South East are also modelled to highlight potential strategies.
The report concludes that whilst the environmental impact of transport may be reduced through a range of strategies including efficiency gains, technology and to a lesser extent alternative fuels; given the increase in demand, efficiency savings alone are not going to significantly reduce energy use in the transport sector. Therefore the longer term aim has to be a reduction in the energy used / distance travelled by powered transport. This can only be done through a greater localisation, reducing the need or desire for people and goods to regularly move long distances.
For any sustainable community, ensuring that there are attractive, affordable local facilities and services; along with safe, accessible walking and cycling routes and facilities, is vital to enable us to work towards a one planet lifestyle.
Download report PDF
........................................................................................................
BioRegional is a registered charity – if you would like to make a donation for this report please visit www.justgiving.com to do so securely on-line – suggested donation £4.00.
Your support will help us to continue developing vital solutions for sustainable living.
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