Campaigners warn over failure to curb Europe’s ‘runaway’ transport emissions

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Guardian reports on a concerning forecast by Transport & Environment (T&E) indicating that, without significant policy changes, transport emissions could constitute nearly half of Europe's total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 
• This sector's emissions have increased by 26% since 1990, contrasting with reductions in other areas

🔭 The context: Despite the overall decrease in emissions across Europe, the transport sector's emissions have risen due to increasing car pollution and a growing demand for flights 
• T&E's analysis suggests that transport emissions in Europe have peaked, but the pace of decarbonization in this sector lags significantly behind others like electricity and industry

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The transport sector's lagging progress in reducing emissions poses a significant challenge to Europe's climate goals 
• As it stands, this sector's emissions are outpacing reductions elsewhere, potentially comprising 44% of the continent's total emissions by 2030, undermining efforts to achieve climate neutrality

⏭️ What's next: The report urges policymakers to take more aggressive actions to curb the transport sector's emissions 
• Recommendations include accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, promoting energy efficiency in shipping, and reducing the expansion of airports and roads

💬 One quote: "Transport was the ‘problem child’ of Europe’s climate efforts," (William Todts, executive director of T&E)

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