Car Use Impact on Climate Change Campaign

UK’s Department for Transport launched a new advertising campaign that aims to build awareness on the impact the car use has over the climate change. The new DfT campaign is therefore aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from car use.

The TV advert highlights that by driving five miles less a week, any driver can help make a difference. According to DfT, if all UK drivers reduced their driving by 5 miles a week we could save 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year.

“In December 2008, we agreed a demanding framework with our European partners for reducing CO2 emissions from new cars. This will mean new cars emit around 40% less CO2 by 2020,” a DfT statement reads.

Part of the Government’s solution is to make public transport an accessible, attractive, low carbon and easy-to-use option for individuals and businesses by providing substantial financial support for the rail and bus sectors.

DfT recommends a few things you can do when you drive and look after your car to help reduce the amount of fuel you burn and so cut down on carbon dioxide emissions: pump up your tires, clear out any extra weight, have your vehicle serviced regularly, drive at an appropriate speed, speed up and slow down smoothly, change gears at low revs, avoid leaving your engine running and don’t use air conditioning unless you really need it.

“This campaign asks people to think more carefully about the journeys they routinely take. In our daily lives we create over 40% of the UK’s CO2 emissions, every action we can take to reduce this figure will make a difference,” said Transport Minister Sadiq Kahn.

“Our research has shown that driving five miles less a week is something people feel they can manage – for example, by combining journeys or walking and cycling a bit more for short trips,” he added.