By: Hannah Thulé
Greenhouse emissions from the transport sector decrease, yet the emissions of small particles that are hazardous for our health increase due to increased traffic on the roads.
Greenhouse emissions from domestic transport account for one-third of Sweden’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
The vast majority of the emissions originate from road traffic, primarily from passenger cars and heavy vehicles, both in Sweden as well as locally in Gothenburg.
The trend for Greenhouse emissions from domestic transport has been decreasing in recent years. This is because the vehicle fleet is becoming increasingly energy-efficient as more fuel-efficient vehicles replace old vehicles with a higher fuel consumption.
A contributing factor is that vehicles powered by electricity or electric hybrids increase rapidly, even if these still are considered a small proportion of the vehicle fleet.
Emission of small particles increase
While Greenhouse emissions decrease, emissions of small particles, so called PM2.5, increase. These emissions have increased by 92 percent since 1990 due to the overall increase in traffic volume.
Within domestic transport, road traffic emissions of particles into the air from road, tire, and brake wear are the largest sources.
At the same time, emissions of particles from fuel use in road traffic have decreased overall since 1990, thanks to stricter emission regulations.
Small particles cause health issues
The small particles have little mass but are numerous. PM2.5 are among the air pollutants that cause the most significant health problems.
The particles enter the body while breathing and affect both the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system.
Acute effects include coughing and asthma attacks. Studies show that a long-term effect of inhaling the particles result in reduced lung function, especially in children living in areas with high levels of PM2.5.
Source: Naturvårdsverket