Title: Options for reducing CO2 emissions from personal travel in Europe

Authors: P. Hughes, S . Potter

Addresses: Energy and Environment Research Unit, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK. ' Energy and Environment Research Unit, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

Abstract: Personal travel is an increasingly important aspect of European society. Our demand for travel, in terms of time, money and mobility, is steadily increasing. This growth has led to a number of undesirable effects, including a substantial contribution to global warming through the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). To address this issue, a number of solutions are available. Already the technology is established for highly economical cars, but experience shows that incentives or regulations are required in order to stimulate widespread interest in saving fuel. Similarly, alternative fuels can offer considerable reductions in greenhouse emissions, depending on the source of the energy. In the longer run, it is essential that technological measures are complemented by policies to reduce the need to travel, whilst still maintaining accessibility. This paper presents a list of policies that are being investigated as part of a strategy for reducing CO2 emissions from personal travel in Britain.

Keywords: alternative fuels; carbon tax; CFCs; CO2; carbon dioxide; carbon emissions; environmental pollution; fuel savings; global warming; greenhouse effect; localisation; personal travel; public transport; Europe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1992.061716

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1992 Vol.13 No.2, pp.114 - 124

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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