This paper analyses trends in CO2 emissions from the passenger transport sector for OECD countries including the US, Japan, France, West Germany, Italy, the UK, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark over the period 1973-1990. Statistics are provided for car ownership, kilometers travelled, emissions and energy use. General trends in emissions are examined for a) cars, trucks and vans, b) buses, c) rail and d) air. The way in which population growth, activity mode shifts, fuel choice, fuel efficiency and load factors have affected trends is discussed. Policy implications of these trends are assessed and the potential for reduction in CO2 emissions considered. The need to curb the amount of travel is highlighted.
Abstract