ITF: Multi-sector effort needed to decarbonise urban passenger transport

Urban passenger transport should become autonomous, shared and electric in order to bring down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, says the International Transport Forum (ITF). But above all, multiple policy sectors need to be involved. The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) - affiliated think tank asked 36 experts about their views on the decarbonisation of urban passenger transport. Their key points are listed in the report Policy priorities for decarbonising urban passenger transport.

Building greener and more liveable cities: the role of zero emission construction sites

European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment organizes the EU Green Week, an annual opportunity for cities to debate and discuss European environmental policy. EU Green Week 2018 will take place from 21 to 25 May with the theme of 'Green Cities for a Greener Future' and it will be all about making Europe's cities greener. The week will officially open on 21/5 in Utrecht (The Netherlands) and will close on 25/5 in Madrid (Spain).

New Commission online tool to measure fuel costs and CO2 emissions of your car journey

The Joint Research Center has developed an online tool to help citizens estimate fuel costs and CO2 emissions of their daily commute or holiday trips by car. The “Green Driving Tool” estimates the fuel costs and CO2 emissions based on variables such as car segment, engine power, fuel type and driving cycle. This tool uses detailed map data and vehicle simulations; thus it is expected to raise awareness of the impact of car journeys and support citizens to make decisions on their use of cars.

For more information click here

Overview of Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases and these are:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or "sequestered") when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
• Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
• Nitrous oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.

CO2 emissions are the primary greenhouse gas emissions and they account (in 2015) for about 82.2 % of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. In 2015, CH4 accounted for 10 %, whereas N2O for 5 %.

For more information here