This paper summarises the environmental effects of transport activities in general and of freight transport in particular. It then examines in more detail the use of energy and emission of carbon dioxide by freight transport and the subjective nuisance caused by freight transport activities. Suggestions for alleviating the environmental effects of transport, in particular freight transport, are discussed. These include choice of the least harmful mode of transport, improvements to streamlining and suspension of vehicles and the fitting of catalytic converters. Reduction of CO2 emission levels by decreasing distances travelled and the conflicts inherent in reducing levels of both CO2 and nitrogen oxides are briefly considered. Statistics are provided for: a) freight moved by transport mode in various European countries, Japan, Russia and the United States; b) average freight transport traffic growth; and c) emissions caused by transport.
Samenvatting