International agencies challenge car industry to 50% carbon cut by 2050
Wed 04 March 2009
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Four leading international agencies have announced a global fuel economy initiative (GFEI) which challenges the car industry to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions of 50% by 2050, in line with suggestions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The initiative was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the FIA Foundation say that they have set out "a radical but achievable agenda" which must be embarked upon immediately. They are calling for the introduction of a roadmap towards greater global fuel economy that would halve greenhouse gas emissions from cars.
With the vehicle industry in receipt of financial support packages and calling for further help, the authors say that this initiative gives concrete options for the world to change to cleaner and more efficient cars.
The report shows how annual savings of six billion barrels of oil and 2 gigatonnes of CO2 – equivalent to half the total current annual emissions of the EU - are achievable through an ambitious world-wide programme.
The agencies acknowledge that the challenge will be difficult as the world wide car fleet is forecast to triple by 2050
The GFEI partners say that they will work with governments, the car industry and other stakeholders to achieve the 50% goal. The agenda, they say, should be achievable using existing, cost-effective technologies such as better engines and drive trains, more efficient components such as tyres, and lighter materials. The organisations intend to present their proposals to a range of key stakeholders at a series of events this year - including at the LowCVP annual conference on June 8 (see associated link).
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