Where must we make changes…….. Transition Streets 5.1

The Climate Council has issued a comprehensive report on the impact of Transport and where we must make changes to meet the reduction targets to address climate change.

Waiting for the Green Light – Transport Solutions to Climate Change   – pdf download 3.1MB

Transport is now Australia’s second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution after electricity, and the sector has seen the largest percentage growth (62.9%) since 1990.

Compared with other countries, Australia consistently ranks at the back of the pack when it comes to tackling its transport emissions.  To tackle climate change, Australia must rapidly roll out a fleet of sustainable transport solutions. These include

  • improving the quality, efficiency and accessibility of public transport,
  • cycling and walking alternatives and infrastructure,
  • shifting to renewable powered vehicles in the form of electric bicycles, cars, trains, trams and buses. Australian governments need to develop coherent transport and climate change policies with the aim of lowering greenhouse gas pollution across the sector.

Key Findings:

  1. Transport is Australia’s second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution (after electricity).
  2. Global transport pollution levels are rising by around 2.5% each year. Without action they are expected to double by 2050.
  3. Congestion is a $16 billion dollar handbrake on the productivity of Australian cities.
  4. Nearly 8 out of 10 Australians travel to work, school or university by car.
  5. Australia is one of a handful of OECD countries without greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and lacks credible national policy to tackle transport emissions.

Tom Danby, Moonee Valley Sustainability, 2020