Britons need greener travel options to meet net zero target

Europe-wide research has shown Britons are more willing than most Europeans to reduce their use of cars and aeroplanes – an essential requirement if carbon dioxide reduction targets are to be met.

During the Covid pandemic, consumption of petrol, diesel and paraffin plummeted as government restrictions forced people to stay at home – the UK had the third-largest reduction after Austria and Sweden.

When the pandemic receded, use of these fuels rebounded but not evenly across Europe. The UK was one of the countries where car use resumed more slowly and aviation even more so.

Since travel contributes 37% to carbon emissions, which is causing our weather patterns to deteriorate, urgent steps are required to change human travel behaviour.

In some countries, such as Sweden, it is less socially acceptable to fly, and flygskam (flight shame) has reduced demand for air travel – although the government was recently criticised for dropping the tax that was supposed to discourage flying.

In most countries, however, it is government policy that makes the difference. Denmark, which already had high bicycle use, has increased investment and encouraged electric bikes on main roads and in towns.

The Czech Republic has achieved a reduction in car use by making public transport cheaper.

Researchers say Britons are being held back from reducing their car use by a lack of other options.