
The transport They are essential for all societies due to the need to travel both short and long distances to carry out various activities. However, transport is also one of the main sources of global pollution, due to emissions of CO2 and other harmful gases.
Below, we'll examine how each mode of transportation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, current trends, and more sustainable alternatives.
Emissions per kilometre from different modes of transport
To better understand the impact of transport on the environment, estimates of CO2 emissions per kilometre travelled have been established.
- Conventional car: 150 grams of CO2 per kilometer traveled.
- Airplane: 180 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
- Bus: 30 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
- Railway: 35 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
If we multiply these figures by the number of people travelling daily around the world, it results in millions of tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere. This has a significant impact on the global warming and climate change.
Comparison of efficiency between different means of transport
Clearly, the railway and buses They are the most efficient means of transport in terms of CO2 emissions. Because they can transport many people at once, they significantly reduce the carbon footprint per passenger compared to cars or planes.
In terms of sustainability, the hybrid or electric car is one of the best options. These vehicles emit a fraction of the emissions of a conventional car. However, although their use is growing, their number is still insufficient to significantly reduce global pollution levels.
The airplanes, due to their need for large amounts of fuel, are responsible for a considerable carbon footprint. However, airlines are currently implementing technological improvements and are evaluating alternatives, such as the use of biofuels, to reduce emissions.
Impact of road transport
El road transport is responsible for a large share of global CO2 emissions. According to recent data, road transport accounts for approximately one fifth of emissions within the European Union. Among all road transport modes, cars account for more than 60% of total emissions. The average car occupancy rate in Europe is 1,6 people, which contributes to a very low efficiency per passenger.
An alternative that is gaining ground is electric cars. In 2021, approximately 17,8% of new vehicles registered in Europe were electric. Although they still require electricity, their environmental impact is considerably lower when it comes from renewable energy.
However, we must not overlook the fact that the production and disposal of electric cars also has its environmental impact, especially related to the manufacture of batteries. As renewable energies become more accessible, the impact of electric vehicles will become increasingly smaller.
The role of biofuels in reducing emissions
Another technology that has emerged as an option to reduce emissions is biofuelsThese fuels come from renewable sources, such as plants or organic waste, and tend to emit less CO2 than their fossil counterparts. Although they are not a completely clean solution, as their production on an industrial scale still has an impact, they are a viable option for sectors such as aviation and maritime transport.
How citizens can contribute to sustainability
The advancement of technology has allowed means of transport to become increasingly sustainable. However, the citizen collaboration is vital to achieving significant reductions in global emissions.
By choosing more sustainable means of transport, such as public transport, bicycles, or electric cars, we can contribute to drastically reducing emissions. In addition, adoption of teleworking and shared mobility are approaches that can help reduce the need for individualized transportation, which in turn would reduce the carbon footprint.
If we manage to make more of our means of transport sustainable, global pollution levels will be significantly reduced. It is important to continue innovating and adopting new sustainable mobility models to combat climate change.
In addition, government policies play a crucial role in encouraging the development of clean technologies and public transport. Investing in transport infrastructure renewable energy, such as charging stations for electric vehicles, is essential to accelerate the transition towards cleaner mobility.
Decarbonizing the transport sector is a critical challenge, but also a great opportunity to reduce the global carbon footprint. With joint efforts between citizens, governments and businesses, we can transform mobility and mitigate climate change.