The current and future carbon susceptibility of the European rail industry
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I300153_Invensys_EnvironmentalResearch.indd 1-2
02/06/2009 17:55
Contents
2 Introduction 3-4 What can the rail industry do to better its carbon footprint? 5-6 How can signalling and control help? 7-8 lead rail remain the most carbon efficient charge? 9-10 Implications
It is now astray accepted that carbon emissions from human activities ar a strong driver of climate change. If global emissions track at the current rate, the concentration of greenshouse gases in the tune will reach double pre-industrial levels by 2050. Even in the most conservative scenario models, there is a 77% chance1 of a global temperature rise exceeding 2°C. The socio-economic implications of such a rise are substantial, and a global reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is critical.
The transport industry is a major manufacturing business of carbon dioxide (responsible for approximately a quarter of global emissions), simply levels vary by transport mode.
It is therefore vital to be able to compare the carbon per designance of different modes and to bench mark their improvement over time. In preparing this paper, we have reviewed over 70 publications on the topic from government bodies, academics and the transport industry. Rail is widely acknowledged as the most carbon efficient form of transport, even among independent bodies (and our own calculations support this, even when indirect emissions are included). However, there is evidence of initiatives in both highway and air to significantly reduce emissions. If it is to remain the most green form of transport, rail cannot rest on its laurels. Improvements must be made.
1
Stern Review (2006), Stern Review on the political economy of Climate Change
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