GLA - Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emmissions

Unless the GLA (Greater London Authority) takes radical steps, such as the removal of all cars from London, it will not meet its goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report.

The GLA is committed to reducing London's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025, but most climate scientists argue that even more rapid reductions will be needed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. A team of experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Transport Studies Unit (Oxford University Centre for the Environment) revealed that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only 10%-23%.

They do, however, offer a radical vision which could achieve a 72% drop in emissions by 2030 -- a figure that is 83% lower than the current UK average. The solution involves combining a car-free London with high levels of active transport (for example walking and cycling) and realistic but challenging energy-efficient improvements.

James Woodcock, who led a team of researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, comments: “Only the car-free greater London scenario is close to achieving the emission reductions required by 2030. Even then we need to reduce carbon fuel use on our public transport. Car-free streets could transform the quality of our urban environment, while improving health. Although London has made small improvements, achieving a car-free city would require a dramatic move in favor of walking and cycling”.

Land transport emissions in London have remained stable since the 1990’s and are now responsible for 14% of global warming emissions. Although cycling has been rising in popularity, more than seven out of ten car journeys are less than 8 kilometers.

Calculations show that a car-free London would reduce emissions up to 49%. The car-free London model deducted a 72% reduction in emissions, with active transport making up 53% of all trips. Given the lower starting point, this means 83% lower emissions than the predicted average for the year of 2000.

The authors highlight the many benefits, in terms of public health and safety, which the adoption of the car-free scenario would achieve. Not only would people benefit in terms of improved health from more physical activity, more people would be willing and able to walk or use a bike for greater distances.