A report from the European Environment Agency reveals that in 2009 emissions from transport fell, but this was because of recession. The agency say things have to change, otherwise an increase of emissions is likely to occur when economic recovery returns.

Professor Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director, said: “Emissions levels of almost all pollutants from transport fell in 2009, as there was a drop in demand. But this fall was due to the economic recession. So now we need to see a more fundamental shift in Europe’s transport system, so that emissions do not increase even in times of strong economic growth.”

Between 1990 and 2009, demand for transport grew by approximately one third, leading to a 27 % increase in greenhouse gases from transport in the same period.

The news comes as the International Energy Agency yesterday warned that global oil demand is likely to increase due to a doubling of the passenger vehicle fleet to almost 1.7 billion by 2035.