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Tue, 19th May 2020 11:47:00 |
Climate change: Scientists fear car surge will see CO2 rebound |
Daily global emissions of CO2 fell by 17% at the peak of the shutdown because of measures taken by governments in response to Covid-19, say scientists.
The most comprehensive account yet published says that almost half the record decrease was due to fewer car journeys.
But the authors are worried that, as people return to work, car use will soar again.
They fear CO2 emissions could soon be higher than before the crisis.
They are urging politicians to grasp the moment and make real, durable changes on transport and personal mobility.
In the UK, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has pledged £250m for improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure. Other countries are also looking at similar plans.
The lockdowns that most governments have implemented in response to Covid-19 have had a significant impact on the carbon-producing activities that are embedded in almost everything we do.
Road transport has declined hugely, as has aviation.
However, now that the UK is beginning to return to work, Mr Shapps said people should drive to work rather than use public transport, should walking or cycling not be an option.
"If you can't walk or cycle but you do have access to a car, please use it rather than travelling by bus, train or tram," he said.
Industry has temporarily closed down and demand for energy all over the world has crashed.
Now in detailed analysis, researchers have shown how those changes have impacted our emissions of CO2.
They've calculated the fall off in carbon based on the lockdown policies implemented in 69 countries that between them account for 97% of global emissions.
During the peak of the crisis in early April, daily emissions dropped by 17% compared to the previous year, meaning around 17 million tonnes less CO2 were emitted every day.
The key to the fall has been cars. Surface transport emissions have declined by 43%, the same amount as the drop from industry and power generation combined.
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