Signs that the European Environment Agency (EEA) carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions targets are working was highlighted by recent data, showing that 80 per cent of 2010 registrations in the EU already achieve their 2012 specific emissions.
Targets have been set for the EEA for 2012 and 2015, and so far, manufacturers have largely responded well to the carbon caps. The financial burden of non-compliance could be a significant factor, if car manufacturers make no further improvements in carbon efficiency of new cars between 2010 and 2012, non-compliant manufacturers could face fines which in total would add up to 10 billion (8.4 billion).
The newly released figures show there is still a lot of work to be done. Almost all manufacturers must reduce emissions to meet 2015 targets. Furthermore, there are several manufacturers that need to reduce emissions by 2012.
Road transport accounts for 22 per cent of total UK emissions of CO2, which is the major contributor to climate change. There are also severe health impacts at stake through exposure to nitrogen oxides, particles, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
Posted by Joseph Hutton