Specific climate impact of passenger and freight transport

Borken-Kleefeld, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5465-8559, Berntsen, T.K., & Fuglestvedt, J. (2010). Specific climate impact of passenger and freight transport. Environmental Science & Technology 10.1021/es9039693.

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Abstract

Emissions of short-lived species contribute significantly to the climate impact of transportation. Th magnitude of the effects varies over time for each transport mode. This paper compares first the absolute climate impacts of current passenger and freight transportation. Second, the impacts are normalized with the transport work performed and modes are compared. Calculations are performed for the integrated radiative forcing and mean temperature change, for different time horizons and various measures of transport work. An unambiguous ranking of the specific climate impact can be established for freight transportation, with shipping and rail having lowest and light trucks and air transport having highest specific impact for all cases calculated. Passenger travel with rail, coach or two- and three-wheelers has on average the lowest specific climate impact also on short time horizons. Air travel has the highest specific impact on short-term warming, while on long-term warming car travel has an equal or higher impact per passenger-kilometer.

Item Type: Article
Research Programs: Atmospheric Pollution (APD)
Bibliographic Reference: Environmental Science & Technology; 44(15):5700-5706 (01 August 2010) (Published online 12 July 2010)
Depositing User: IIASA Import
Date Deposited: 15 Jan 2016 08:43
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:21
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/9213

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