Isra-Mart srl: New initiatives to keep lid on emissions

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New initiatives are in the pipeline to combat greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions in the transport sector. Given the "permanent and constant increase" in these emissions, "business as usual is not a realistic option," Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard told the European Parliament's Committee on Transport (TRAN), on 10 November in Brussels. Along with the inclusion of aviation in the EU's Emission Trading Scheme (ETS – see separate article), the European Commission plans to keep up pressure on the maritime sector. The commissioner spoke of an "unsustainable trend" of rising emissions in this sector. "We have to tackle this problem more ambitiously," she declared, announcing an impact assessment in 2012 in order to "see how to move forward".

New legislative proposals on CO 2 emissions in the road sector will also be presented next year. Hedegaard nevertheless finds that the automotive industry "is on the right track" since EU targets for emissions limits for new vehicles for 2015 are already being met in 2012 (between 2006 and 2010, emissions from new vehicles declined by an average of 20 g of CO 2 per km, much more than reductions in previous years). A "specific strategy" is being defined for emissions from heavy goods vehicles – 20% of road transport emissions, according to the Commission – which is set to be unveiled in 2013. Consultation of the sector is under way.

Transport is the second largest source of GHG emissions. The largest share of these emissions – 70% – comes from road transport.