The challenge

The burning of fossil fuels to produce energy for transport is contributing to an unprecedented increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that unless urgent action is taken, this will result in serious environmental, economic and social impacts.

The challenge for WA is particularly acute;

• We are among the world’s highest producers of greenhouse gases per head of population, at about 33 tonnes per person per year.

• 14% of WA’s total greenhouse emissions arise from the transport sector.
  
  
• Transport related greenhouse gas emissions have increased 33% between 1990 and 2006, up from 6.7 million tonnes (Mt) to 8.9 Mt (see Department of Climate Change).
  
  
• 76 per cent of WA’s transport related greenhouse gas emissions come from road transport (ie cars and trucks).
  
  
• The average fuel efficiency of the Australian vehicle fleet has increased only slightly (about 10%) since the 1970’s. This is because gains made by improved engine efficiency have been offset by increased demand for bigger and more powerful cars.
  
  
• The overwhelming trend in WA over the past 30 years has been the increasing dominance of the motor vehicle for both people and freight movement.
  
  
• Even with a high quality public transport system, over 82% of journeys in Perth are made using motorised private transport.
  
  
• The total daily vehicle kilometres travelled in Perth has increased by around 50% between 1991 and 2004 (see State of the Environment 2007).
  
  
• WA has the highest rate of car ownership, at 777 vehicles per 1000 people (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
  
  
• Given its high level of private vehicle use and ownership, WA will be particularly vulnerable to any decline in oil production and associated price increases.