The challenge

The Premier of Western Australia, Alan Carpenter has noted that ‘there is no bigger threat to Western Australia’s environment, economy and unique lifestyle than climate change’.

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.
• The State of the Environment Report 2007 for WA found that greenhouse gas emissions from transport have increased 33% between 1990 and 2004, from 6.6 million tonnes (Mt) to 8.8 Mt.
• The majority of these transport emissions are generated by cars and trucks, with personal car travel being the largest individual component of this category.  Even in Perth where a substantial public transport system exists, over 82% of journeys are made using motorised private transport.
• 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.
• The total daily vehicle kilometres travelled in Perth has increased by around 50% between 1991 and 2004 (see State of the Environment 2007).
• The average fuel efficiency of the Australian vehicle fleet has decreased slightly (about 10%) since the 1970’s. This is because gains made by improved fuel efficiency have been offset by increased demand for bigger and more powerful cars (see State of the Environment 2007).
• Given its high level of private vehicle use, WA will be particularly vulnerable to any decline in oil production and associated price increases.