Climate Change

Transport plays an increasingly larger role in NSW greenhouse gas emissions. With the recognition of climate change as a global issue, and the admission that action must be taken to reduce our contributions of green house gasses, the decisions we make this year about transport are very important.

It is clear that change is needed, and as the Stern report indicated, the earlier we start to make those changes, the more effective (and cheaper!) they will be. Taking action will cost us, but not taking action will cost us more.

Private vehicles make up approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions in NSW, a figure that is estimated to rise to 40% as new drivers take to the roads and older drivers continue to drive.

While active transport options, such as cycling and walking, will make significant contributions to reducing emissions for short trips (about a half of all trips in Sydney), public transport will also be an important part of reducing the NSW contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. There are also significant gains to be made by moving as much freight as possible by rail.