Territorial distribution of transport emission reduction targets from an environmental, economic and social viewpoint

The most important goal in the transport sector is reducing energy consumption and environmental emissions. Reducing emissions in this sector is fundamental for European Union (EU) countries to meet the Kyoto Protocol reduction targets (−8% in the EU15 by 2012) and comply with the EU energy policy (−20% by 2020). This paper focuses on global GHG emission reduction targets from these two agreements for the transport sector, specifically for CO2 emissions. First, we propose a non-linear methodology for distributing dynamic CO2 emission reduction targets based on an inverse logarithmic function. We applied the proposed distribution function for 2012 and 2020 at a European territorial level in the EU15, EU12 (new member states) and EU27 countries. The weighted distribution is based on the original per capita CO2 emissions, CO2 emissions per GDP, CO2 emissions per transport energy demand and carbon intensity in the transport sector. We then analysed CO2 emissions from the transport sector in the reference year (1990) and their evolution from 1990 to 2008. Finally, we show the weighted targets found for each EU member state, compare them to the actual achievements to date, and forecast the situation for the years the Kyoto and EU goals are to be met.

► We transfer global GHG emission reduction targets to the transport sector.
► A nonlinear methodology for distributing dynamic CO2 emission reduction targets.
► Four proposals in three scenarios to reduce the CO2 emissions in each Member State.
► We provide to policy makers with a broader vision for achieving EU energy goals.