Latest EU transport sector CO2 data shows emissions up

Date: 18 June 2008

European emissions of CO2 from transport rose in 2006 despite a fall in overall emissions according to The European Environment Agency. The EEA said that the rise was partly caused by sharp emissions increases in eastern European states.

Emissions from road transport in the EU-27 increased 6.5 million tonnes (0.7%) in 2006. Air travel contributed nearly 5 million more tons of emissions, an increase of 4.1 percent from 2005 to 2006, while international shippers added 10 million tons, a 6.3 percent increase.

European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas (reported by Reuters) said: "Transport-related emissions have been constantly increasing and are of particular concern." 

The EEA indicated that the rise in emissions from road transport was mostly driven by increased use of diesel for freight and passenger vehicles.