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CO2 Emissions |
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Emissions Explained
Fossil fuels, including petrol and diesel, produce carbon dioxide (CO2) when they are burnt. The right level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has beneficial effects for the planet. Along with other gases, it acts like a greenhouse to help keep the planet warm and without this greenhouse effect the planet would be about -18oC.
Currently the world's average temperature is about 15oC. However, if the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rise too high, the earth will become hotter, and will suffer devastating effects, such as widespread flooding. Of the six main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is thought to be the most significant.
The UK government stands by the Kyoto Protocol agreement made in 1997 to reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions. This meant the UK government agreeing that by 2010 the UK's carbon dioxide emissions must be 12.5% lower than they were in 1990.
Since a car currently produces roughly its own weight in CO2 emissions every 6000 miles and road transport is the third biggest generator of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, the motor industry is playing a significant role in trying to reduce CO2 emissions.
CO2- the effect on UK taxation
In addition to attempts by the industry to reduce the levels of CO2 emissions, the UK government has drawn a link between taxation and the carbon dioxide emissions of individual vehicles in the hope that carbon dioxide emissions from road transport will reduce. This is the thinking behind the CO2-weighted company car tax system introduced in 2002.
In April 2003 the fuel scale charge for private fuel, which was previously based on engine size, was replaced by a system based on the level of CO2 emissions. This was in line with the 2002 changes to company car benefit-in-kind tax.
The same percentage is now used for both calculations, increasing the importance of the CO2 emissions for drivers when choosing a new car and prompting fleets to re-assess how to provide fuel.
The average CO2 emissions of new cars are falling:
In 2001 the average new car emitted 178g/km of CO2
In 2002 the average new car emitted 175g/km of CO2
In 2003 the average new car emitted 172g/km of CO2.
(According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders)
The European car manufacturer's association, ACEA made a voluntary commitment to reduce the average car's CO2 emissions to 140g/km by 2008. In 2003 only 14.9% of new cars were under that target. So there is still a long way for the car industry to go. However, the government's Vehicle Certification Agency calls this "one of the most significant industry agreements on reducing greenhouse gas emissions".
Click here to find out which cars offered by Carlians have the lowest CO2 emissions.
