Australian Transport and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets

Transport greenhouse gas emissions have increased by about 24 per cent since 1990-91 making transport the fastest growing contributor of all sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. This paper compares the energy efficiency of different modes of transport for freight and passenger tasks. If demand for road vehicle travel was managed and growth in passenger and freight tasks was picked up by the more energy efficient public transport and rail, Australia would begin to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and move closer to achieving its greenhouse gas target.