In the Latin American and Caribbean (LA&C) Region, automotive transport is the main energy consumer, using principally petroleum derivatives, natural gas, and methanol, and is the major source of air pollution from the energy sector in the Region. From 1992 to 2000, it is forecast that automotive transport will remain the largest consumer of energy and the principal source of air pollution. Temporary solutions, to reduce the serious effects of the automotive sector on the economy and environment of the LA&C Region include vehicle inspection systems, vehicle maintenance, retrofitting improvements to vehicles, improving fuel quality, traffic control, and more road maintenance. The Region's long-term Region's long-term development strategy for road transport should aim to: (1) reduce the need for transport and freight movements; (2) partially replace motor vehicle transport by less energy-intensive modes; (3) improve energy efficiency; (4) reduce exhaust emissions; and (5) use cleaner forms of energy. Long term solutions need to be introduced in a coordinated way, and include town and country planning, large-scale public transport, intermodal freight transport, more efficient private transport, more roads, reduced exhaust emissions, more energy efficiency and use of ethanol and natural gas as substitute fuels.
Abstract