Greenhouse gas emissions by transport companies considerably higher than in 1990

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by Dutch transport companies have increased by nearly 80 percent since 1990. This is largely due to the increase in international transport by Dutch companies and a growing appetite for travelling among the Dutch.

Emissions caused by air traffic doubled

Greenhouse gas emissions  more than doubled in aviation. The number of passengers on intercontinental flights has risen sharply in recent years. The effects of more fuel-efficient engines in road transport have fallen short of expectations. Emissions generated by waterway transport have also risen.

Greenhouse gas emissions generated by road transport companies

Greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth as yet not entirely decoupled

In the period 1990-2008, Dutch economy grew by 59 percent. The increase by 9 percent in greenhouse gas emissions by Dutch companies since 1990 was considerably lower. Absolute decoupling, i.e. economic growth in combination with less pressure on the environment is still out of the question. Dutch companies account for 82 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Private households account for the remainder.

The contribution of individual greenhouse gases to the total varies. Emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) by Dutch companies and institutions has grown by 2  percent since 1990, whereas methane (CH4) and laughing gas (N2O) emissions dropped by 8 and 41 percent respectively. Reductions were predominantly realised by technological measures.

Gross domestic product and greenhouse gas emissions generated by Dutch companies

Difference with emissions according to the Kyoto Protocol

Greenhouse gas emissions generated by international transport and Dutch travelling abroad are not included in the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol states that the Netherlands must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 6 percent over the period 2008–2012 relative to 1990.

According to the regulations laid down in the Kyoto Protocol, greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands were reduced by 3 percent in 2008 compared to 1990. If greenhouse gas emissions related to international transport and travelling of Dutch residents abroad are counted and emissions produced by foreigners in the Netherlands are not taken into account, greenhouse gas emissions for the entire Dutch economy have risen by 4 percent since 1990.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Cor Graveland and Sjoerd Schenau