In the last century the internal combustion engine transformed the globe. It enabled people to travel faster and further than ever before, by car, by plane, by boat, by train.

 

But the new found freedom of the 20th Century came at a price. As more and more people travelled more and more miles, sulphur, lead and a host of other toxins were released into the atmosphere. This posioned the environment - damaging plants, animals and people.

 

 

However, the biggest problem is carbon dioxide, a gas which is produced when fuels are combusted. Millions of tonnes of this gas are released into the atmosphere every year. The carbon dixoide forms a layer that reflects sunlight back onto the earth, causing climate change.

 

Scientists vary in their predictions about how bad and how fast global warming will occur. However, there is no doubt that climate change is already affecting everyone in Europe. It causes more extreme weather - storms, floods, droughts - and other environmental problems.

 

These problems affect crops, animals and water supplies - the fundamental things that we rely on for our survival. To help slow down climate change, we need to change our transport habits now.

 

Put your best foot forward!

 

 

 

The best and easiest alternative to the car is your own two feet!

Walk to school. Cycle to the shops. You will get fitter and leaner. You will save money and prevent pollution.

 

Whether you are pounding the pavement or pushing the pedals, every time you leave the car at home you will help slow down global warming.

 

Take the train!

 

Of course, it's not possible to walk everywhere. What about longer journeys? Well, it is so easy to get in the car, we often forget about the bus and the train. These are often much more convenient, especially if you have to travel through a large city, where the roads are congested and parking is very expensive.

 

 

 

Trains and buses are heavier than cars and have bigger engines. So they use more fuel. However, they carry far more passengers, so the amount of carbon dioxide produced per person per km is much lower.

 

Share your car with a friend

 

Sometimes, of course, the car is the only option. But, there are still ways to travel more sensibly.

 

How often have you driven all the way into town right behind a neighbour? Or met someone you know in the car park?

 

Next time you are travelling to a football match, the cinema, or a school event, check if a friend needs a lift. It's less boring if you have someone to share the journey with you - and your families can save money.

 

Discover better ways to travel in your town

 

Across Europe, there are many schemes that help to promote public transport. Why not contact your local council or energy agency to discover more?

 

If you are under eighteen, you will often find that you qualify for much cheaper fares.

 

Check out the web links on this site to find out more information about travel opportunities and cycle routes.

 

Cleaner fuels for a brighter future

 

The world has currently used up half its supplies of fossil fuels. However, new fuels are being developed. These will help our resources of oil last longer and ensure that we have energy supplies for transport in the future.

 

Meanwhile manufacturers are producing innovative new cars that offer greater efficiency and cleaner motoring.

 

 

Above is a picture of the Toyota Prius voted European Car of the Year in 2005. This features a hybrid electric/petrol engine that provides excellent fuel efficiency.

 

 

 

The electric engine takes over in city traffic, helping to reduce pollution, and boosts the performance of the petrol engine only when required.

 

In the future, a range of exciting new cars will be powered by cleaner fuels. Below is a picture of Toyota's high velocity hydrogen concept car, the Fine-S.

 

 

 

Biofuels - biodiesel and bioethanol - are also being increasingly used in Europe. They can be produced from crops and used in standard engines.

 

Some completely electric cars are now available. These have a limited range, but are a good solution in city centers as they produce no emissions*. Hydrogen and fuel cells are another potential transport fuel. Again, lots more information is available on our web links page.

 

*Energy is needed to produce electricity and hydrogen. Currently this is likely to come from a fossil fuel source. However, renewable resources can also be used to produce hydrogen and electricty. New technology will help to make these fuels of the future.