The emissions from the transport sector in Australia have a significant environmental impact and contribute greatly to climate change. Transport is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, accounting for about 18% of Australia's total emissions in 2019.
Environmental Impact of Transport Emissions
Transport emissions can negatively impact air quality and exacerbate climate change. Key problems caused by transport emissions in Australia include:
- Urban air pollution - Vehicle exhaust contains harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, deteriorating urban air quality. This causes respiratory illnesses and other health issues.
- Greenhouse gas emissions - Most transport in Australia relies on fossil fuels like diesel and petrol. Burning these fuels emits carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere. This causes global warming and climate change.
- Ozone layer depletion - Vehicles using leaded petrol release lead particles. These react with CFCs to deplete the ozone layer which protects us from UV rays. Increased UV exposure raises risks of skin cancer and other problems.
Statistics on Transport Emissions in Australia
According to Australia's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory figures in 2019:
- Transport emitted about 102 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e) or 18% of Australia's total 534 Mt CO2-e emissions.
- Road transport accounted for 90.1% of transport emissions at 92 Mt CO2-e. Railways produced about 1.5 Mt CO2-e and domestic aviation around 7.7 Mt CO2-e.
- Cars emitted about half of total transport emissions at 49.5 Mt CO2-e. Heavy and light trucks produced 22.8 Mt CO2-e and buses 2 Mt CO2-e.
- New South Wales emitted the most transport greenhouse gases at 33.7 Mt CO2-e. Victoria followed at 26.8 Mt CO2-e, then Queensland at 22.9 Mt CO2-e.
Reducing transport emissions is vital to lessen environmental hazards. Wider adoption of electric vehicles, biofuels and public transport can help achieve this goal.
Transportation emissions refer to the harmful gases and particles released from vehicles including cars, trucks, ships, trains and aeroplanes. Key transport emissions include:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) - Emitted from burning petroleum fuels. CO2 is a heat-trapping greenhouse gas that causes climate change and global warming.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - Released from high-temperature fossil fuel combustion. NOx gases contribute to smog and acid rain formation.
- Particulate matter - Microscopic particles produced from fuel combustion and brake and tyre wear. Inhalation causes respiratory issues and heart disease.
How is Transport Emission Monitored?
There are various methods used to monitor and measure pollution from transportation:
- Vehicle emission testing detects pollutants like CO2, NOx and particulates from individual vehicles during periodic inspections.
- Air quality monitoring networks in Australian cities track ambient levels of major traffic-related pollutants like ozone and NO2.
- Fuel-based estimates calculate emissions based on fuel sold or vehicles registered. Models account for factors like mileage and emission rates.
The Australian government compiles an annual vehicle emissions inventory under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The inventory sums up transport greenhouse gas emissions from domestic aviation, marine, rail and road transport.
International bodies like the IPCC also assemble global Transportation inventories and models to guide climate policy and regulation. Tighter vehicle emission norms, carbon taxes and cap-and-trade schemes are some emission reduction measures.
What are the Emissions of Road Transport in Australia?
Road vehicles emitted about 92 million tonnes (Mt) of greenhouse gases in Australia in 2019, accounting for 90% of domestic transport emissions. Key aspects:
- Passenger cars make up nearly 54% of road transport emissions at about 49.5 Mt. Light commercial vehicles contribute 25% and heavy trucks 24%. Buses only make up 2%.
- Road transport emissions have grown nearly 16% since 2005. Rising population, car ownership rates and vehicle kilometres travelled are factors behind growing road emissions.
- Transitioning more motorists to electric and hybrid vehicles can substantially reduce future road emissions. Stronger vehicle emission standards, biofuel mandates and investments in public and active transport are also key.
What is the CO2 Emissions from Cars in Australia?
Australian passenger cars released about 49.5 Mt of CO2-equivalent emissions in 2019. Key details:
- Transport is Australia's third largest emitting sector. Cars make up nearly 10% of Australia's total greenhouse gas output.
- Average CO2 emission rates of new Australian passenger cars have improved from 222 g/km in 2002 to 182 g/km in 2019 due to fuel efficiency standards.
- Further reducing car CO2 emissions by expanding electric cars and public transport is crucial for sustainable, low-carbon cities in Australia. The government aims to cut emissions to net zero by 2050.
What are the Main Sources of Transport Emission for Australia?
The key sources of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in Australia are:
- Road Transport - Makes up about 90% of transport emissions at 92 Mt CO2-e. Passenger cars are the largest contributor at 49.5 Mt CO2-e or 54% of road transport emissions.
- Domestic Aviation - Accounts for 7.7% of transport emissions at 7.7 Mt CO2-e. Emissions from domestic flights have grown nearly 60% since 2005.
- Railways - Produce about 1.5 Mt CO2-e or 1.5% of transport emissions. The overwhelming majority of Australia's rail network is electrified, lowering emissions.
- Domestic Shipping - Responsible for 1.2 Mt CO2-e or 1.1% of transport emissions. Coastal shipping causes less emissions than road freight per tonne-km transported.
What are the Emissions of Public Transport in Australia?
Public transport emitted around 2 Mt CO2-e in Australia in 2019, accounting for only 2% of total domestic transport emissions. Key details:
- Buses account for most public transport emissions at about 2 Mt CO2-e. Urban rail, light rail and ferries have lower carbon footprints.
- Public transport vehicles are generally more efficient per passenger-km than private vehicles. Encouraging modal shift can drastically reduce emissions.
- Transitioning bus fleets to electric and upgrading ageing rolling stock and infrastructure can further reduce emissions from public transport.
What is Australia Doing to Reduce Transport Emissions?
Australia is implementing various policies and measures to curb rising emissions from transport:
- Stricter fuel efficiency standards are dramatically improving new car CO2 emission rates - down to 182 g/km in 2019 from 222 g/km in 2002.
- Investments in public transport like electric buses and urban rail aim to encourage modal shift away from private vehicles. Cycling infrastructure promotion also pursues this goal.
- Carbon pricing schemes like the now repealed carbon tax and current Emissions Reduction Fund make polluting transport activities more expensive while subsidising cleaner options.
- Biofuel mandates requiring petrol and diesel to contain minimum bio-based ethanol and biodiesel percentages are also in place.
What are the Statistics of Transport Emissions in Australia?
Key statistics as per Australia's 2019 National Greenhouse Gas Inventory:
- Transport emitted 102 Mt CO2-e, constituting 18% of Australia's total 534 Mt emissions.
- Transport emissions have increased 16% from 2005 to 2019. Growth has slowed in recent years.
- Road transport makes up 90% of transport emissions at 92 Mt CO2-e. Railways account for 1.5% and domestic aviation 7.7%.
- Cars produce 49.5 Mt CO2-e or 48% of transport emissions. Light and heavy commercial vehicles contribute 25% and 24% respectively.
What are the Future Statistics of Transport Emissions in Australia?
Australia's transport emissions are projected to keep rising based on current policies:
- Transport emissions could grow nearly 30% from 2015 levels by 2030 as population, GDP, car ownership and air travel continue rising.
- However, wider adoption of electric vehicles and biofuels mandated by existing policies can curb emission growth significantly. Emissions may stabilise or fall slightly after 2025.
- Modest improvements in fuel efficiency, carbon prices and public transport investments may also restrain emission increases over the next decade. But further policy action is essential for major cuts.
What are the Future Goals of Transport's Emission in Australia?
Australia aims to reduce overall emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030 under its Paris Agreement commitments. For transport, key goals include:
- Improving average fuel efficiency of new light vehicles by 15% between 2015 and 2025. This will lower car CO2 emission rates.
- Having electric cars make up 30-50% of new car sales by 2030. Transitioning more motorists to electric mobility will drastically cut future emissions.
- Reduce total transport sector emissions by accelerating the switch to lower carbon fuels and technologies. This will substantially benefit air quality and public health.
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