VEHICLE EMISSION

ASSIGNMENT 2
PART 1

Group Members

Name Email
Rebekah Jane 20388526@students.latrobe.edu.au

Maxwell Sebastian Sands 20369902@students.latrobe.edu.au

Archi Hiteshbhai 21180710@students.latrobe.edu.au

Seyedeh Maryam 21324327@students.latrobe.edu.au

Tabitha Jane 21338884@students.latrobe.edu.au

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Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
Statistical background...........................................................................................................................2
Current emissions targets......................................................................................................................2
Impacts of vehicle emissions.................................................................................................................2
Barriers to Zero-Emission Vehicles........................................................................................................3
References.............................................................................................................................................4

Introduction
Greenhouse gas emissions contribute significantly to the global warming effect which is having major
implications on the earth's natural systems. The third greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in

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Australia is transportation, contributing 17% of total emissions (Australia's road to zero transport
emissions, 2020).
Vehicles with internal combustion engines contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (Logan et al, 2022,
p19), leading to high energy consumption, air pollution, traffic congestion, and traffic noise (Kathryn
G. Logan, 2022). Without effective action to minimize car use or encourage greener alternatives,
transport emissions will continue to have detrimental effects on our environment.

Statistical background
In 2019 the transport sector in Victoria contributed to approximately 25 per cent of the states total net
emissions (DELWP, 2021a, p3) These emissions are a result of the combustion of fuels. (DWELP,
2021a, p26). Transport emissions are the third largest CO2 polluter in Australia, having been, and
continuing to be, the largest growing emitter out of any other sector (Climate Change Council, 2017,
p. 1). With population growth and travel demand, these emissions are expected to continue to
increase. Victoria is Australia’s leading state for average vehicle kilometres travelled (DWLWP,
2021b, p14).

Current emissions targets

Victoria’s Climate Change Act 2017 has set out an overall emissions target for Victoria, with
Victoria’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap using the legislation to inform and set transport emission
targets. (DELWP, 2021b) set out ambitious emission reductions for 2025 and 2030 which will help
reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The goal for 2030 is for 50 percent of light vehicle sales to be zero
emissions vehicles. This target is particularly ambitious as the total sale of zero emission light
vehicles in 2016 was 0.08 percent (Climate Change Council, 2017, p. 8). Further, known barriers to
the uptake of alternative vehicles, including, upfront cost, range anxiety, lack of infrastructure, and
required time to charge batteries (Kathryn G. Logan, 2022).
Australia has pledged support for the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs).
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contain objectives for clean and efficient energy (SDG
7) and swift action to combat climate change and its effects (SDG 13). By the end of 2030, Australia
pledged in 2016 to cut its carbon emission by 26-28% alongside with 170 other countries. (Australia's
road to zero transport emissions, 2020).

Impacts of vehicle emissions

According to the data, approximately 3000 deaths have been recorded due to urban air pollution
which is twice the national annual road toll (Vehicle emissions standards for cleaner air, 2016). The
contribution of NOx and PM (60-70 percent of NOx emissions and up to 40 percent of hydrocarbon
emission) from vehicle emissions in the ambient air indicates the prime reason for traffic-related air
pollution. Diesel usage is rising globally. Australia is a world leader in both road and other activities
(agriculture, mining, construction). Diesel vehicle sales are increasing in Australia saw an 8.5%
increase between 2015 and 2016 (GREG BOURNE, 2018). Light diesel vehicle constitutes 16
percent, heavy diesel vehicle constitutes 25 percent while, motor vehicle engine ne constitutes 30
percent NOx as compared to petrol vehicles. Air pollution associated with traffic has been linked to a
variety of detrimental health effects, especially on cardiorespiratory system. Heightened vulnerability
to myocardial infarction and stroke, preterm orth. Health impacts are difficult to measure
economically. Between 2005 and 2010, Australia's death rate is thought to have increased by 68
percent with 1,483 people dying because of air pollution (Vehicle emissions standards for cleaner air,
2016). The usage of cars will continue to have an adverse effect on the environment and health unless
actions are not implemented.

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Barriers to Zero Emission Vehicles
There are known barriers to the uptake of alternative vehicles, including, upfront cost, range anxiety,
lack of infrastructure, and required time to charge batteries (Kathryn G. Logan, 2022).

References

(2020). Australia's road to zero transport emissions. Government Matters.

GREG BOURNE, W. S. (2018). Waiting for the Green Light: Transport Solutions to Climate
Change. Climate Council.

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(n.d.). TRANSPORT EMISSIONS: DRIVING DOWN CAR POLLUTION IN CITIES. climate council.
(2016). Vehicle emissions standards for cleaner air. Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions.
(2021). VICTORIA’S ZERO EMISSIONS VEHICLE ROADMAP. Government of Victoria.
Kathryn G. Logan, A. H. (2022). Passenger Land-Based Road Transport. Springer.

(2019). Victorian Greenhouse Gas Emission Report. The State of Victoria Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning.