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Reducing Carbon Footprint in the UK: The Role of Transportation

Transportation is one of the largest contributors to the carbon footprint in the UK. According to a report by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), transportation accounted for 34% of the UK’s total carbon emissions in 2019. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of transportation on the carbon footprint in the UK and provide some tips on how you can reduce your carbon emissions.

The Impact of Transportation on the Carbon Footprint

The transportation sector in the UK includes road transport, aviation, and shipping. These sectors are responsible for emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute to climate change. Let’s take a closer look at each of these sectors:

COVID restrictions saw UK GHG emissions decrease by 55 percent between 2019 and 2020 yet the sector remained the largest polluter
  • Road Transport: Road transport is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the UK, accounting for 91% of all emissions from transportation. This is primarily due to the use of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. The good news is that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and they emit significantly less carbon than petrol or diesel vehicles.
  • Aviation: Aviation is the second-largest contributor to carbon emissions in the UK, accounting for 7% of all emissions from transportation. Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transportation, and it is essential to reduce air travel if we want to make a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.
  • Shipping: Shipping accounts for only 2% of transportation emissions in the UK, but it is still a significant contributor. The shipping industry emits large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants, and there is a need to adopt more sustainable shipping practices.

Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Transportation

There are several ways to reduce your carbon emissions from transportation. Here are some tips:

Oxford Circus Station
  1. Use Public Transport: Public transportation emits significantly less carbon than personal cars. Taking a bus, train, or tube instead of driving can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
  2. Use Active Transportation: Walking or cycling is an eco-friendly way to travel short distances. It also has health benefits and can save you money on transport costs.
  3. Use Electric Vehicles: EVs emit significantly less carbon than petrol or diesel vehicles. While they may have higher upfront costs, they are cheaper to run in the long term and can save you money on fuel costs.
  4. Reduce Air Travel: Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transportation. Consider taking a train or bus for shorter distances, or plan for fewer and more extended trips to reduce your overall air travel.
Tesla Model X at a GMEV charging point
Tesla Model X at a GMEV charging point

Conclusion

Transportation is a significant contributor to the carbon footprint in the UK. We need to adopt more sustainable transportation practices to reduce our carbon emissions and combat climate change. By using public transport, active transportation, electric vehicles, and reducing air travel, we can make a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint. It is up to all of us to do our part and create a more sustainable future. Talk to us and find out how you can start cutting your carbon emissions too!

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