The level of sustainability of our current lifestyle, particularly in terms of surface transport related energy consumption and resultant greenhouse gas emissions, is a critical question. It is critical because our choices are now known to have an impact upon future generations. Future generations have no control over our actions. Is our attitude and current level of inaction one that supports the notion of inter-generational equity. We would suggest the answer to this is, unfortunately, a resounding no. What legacy will we leave future generations from our current, and historically poor use of sustainable surface transport solutions ? What are the forecast future impacts resulting from greenhouse gas emissions ? This paper explores these and other related issues. The primary focus of this paper then relates to the greenhouse gas contributions made by surface transport. Possible solutions are also discussed, including the use of carbon credits as a mechanism to cap the individual level usage of nongreenhouse gas friendly surface transport modes. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214666.
Samenvatting