Transport emissions of greenhouse gases by mode

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GHG emissions from transport increased by 23 % between 1990 and 2003 in the EEA32 countries3. Emissions increased faster in the EU25 Member States than in the EFTA4 countries. For several EU15 Member States and EFTA4 countries rapidly rising greenhouse gas emissions from transport are a serious concern for meeting the Kyoto target.

In the EU15 GHG emissions from transport increased by 24 %; they contribute by 87 % to the total EEA32 transport emissions. The transport emissions increased due to continuous increases in road transport volume (both passenger and freight).

Figure 2 shows that between 1990 and 2003, greenhouse gas emissions from transport increased in all EU15 Member States. Finland, Germany, Sweden and the UK limited their emission increases below 10 %. Austria, Portugal and Spain registered emission increases of more than 60 %. Ireland and Luxembourg more than doubled their emissions. The main reasons for the large increase in Ireland are growth in road transport volumes and "fuel tourism" (e.g. road fuels bought in Ireland, where fuel prices are relatively low, but consumed outside Ireland, particularly in Northern Ireland. "Fuel tourism" due to comparatively low fuel prices is also an important reason in other EU15 Member States such as Austria and Luxembourg.