Counting the cost of region’s travel - in polar bears
Posted on 19 April 2007
An analysis of the regional transport carbon footprint by the Stockholm Environment Institute, at the University, shows that transport represents 23 per cent of the total carbon footprint of a Yorkshire and Humber resident.Of the 2.7 tonnes each resident produces in the region, car use represents 57 per cent (1.5 tonnes) while air travel represents 17 per cent (0.4 tonnes) and public transport 11 per cent (0.3 tonnes).
We all need to rethink how we travel if we are going to combat the effects of climate change
Dr Gary Haq
Researcher Dr Gary Haq said that air travel is the most damaging mode of transport when it comes to climate change, with emissions at high altitude almost three times as damaging as those at ground level.
"On average a Yorkshire and Humber resident flies 3,969 kilometres outside the UK every year for holidays and business. This is the equivalent of every resident in the region making two return trips from London to Berlin," he said.
"We all need to rethink how we travel if we are going to combat the effects of climate change."
As part of Climate Talk, an initiative to raise awareness and understanding about climate change in North Yorkshire led by Dr Haq, the second public seminar ‘Climate Change: Any Questions?’ focusing on climate change and travel will be held in Northallerton. The public will have an opportunity to ask an expert panel questions and learn how their travel choices affects the climate and what can they do about it.
The meeting is free and will be held from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday 24 May at the Northallerton Town Hall. The expert panel includes leading transport specialist and environmental campaigner, Professor John Whitelegg, and Martin Revill, principal transport planner and consultant.
The public seminar is by ticket only and anyone wishing to attend should contact Jenny on 01904 432897 or email info@climatetalk.org.uk. For more information, visit www.climatetalk.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
- The transport sector is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide which is a key pollutant responsible for global climate change representing 28 per cent the total UK carbon emissions.
- The total carbon footprint of a Yorkshire and Humber resident is 11.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person per year. This is slightly lower that the UK average of approximately 12 tonnes per year.
- The Stockholm Environment Institute is an international environment and development institute based at the University of York.
- Climate Talk is one of 6 regional projects funded by the Government’s Climate Change Challenge Fund.
- Climate Talk is a one year campaign aimed at raising awareness and understanding of climate change issues and specifically targeting the 50+. The project in being undertaken in collaboration BBC Radio York and a number of local partners.
- For further information contact Dr Gary Haq on 01904 432917 or email gh7@york.ac.uk