Mobility and Environment in Spain

This study summarizes most recent findings on the contribution of transport, especially road transport, to air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in Spain. The evaluation of the national emissions inventory and the calculation of vehicle emissions during the period 1990–2003, using the database developed by the Direction of Air Quality, Spanish Ministry of Environment, reflects a significant reduction of ozone precursors (–21.8%), acidifying substances (–7.4%), and particles (–2.2%). The economical growth (31%) and the transport demand growth, passengers (76%) and freight (49.9%), are coupled.

This study compares vehicle emissions with current pollution concentrations and analyses air quality relating it with the European relevant legislation. The concentrations are lower than the permissible values of pollutants fixed by the directives, except the particles.

The emissions of GHG have grown 47.1%, at a much higher rate than the 15% increment warned by the Kyoto Protocol and one of the most urgent present priorities is to reduce them. Even though the transport, which a passenger uses like road, rail, and air has improved its efficiency by 15%, 41%, and 50% respectively, additional measures are needed to reduce emissions and energy consumption. These measures require time to be effective.