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Carbon Intensity of Passenger Transport Modes: A Review of Emission Factors, Their Variability and the Main Drivers

Author

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  • Michel Noussan

    (Decisio S.r.l., Corso Marconi 34, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Edoardo Campisi

    (Decisio S.r.l., Corso Marconi 34, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Matteo Jarre

    (Decisio S.r.l., Corso Marconi 34, 10125 Turin, Italy)

Abstract

The transport sector is responsible for a significant amount of global carbon emissions, and several policies are being implemented at different levels to reduce its impact. To properly assess the effectiveness of planned measures, analysts often rely on average emission factors for different transport modes. However, average values often hide significant variability that stems from factors along the entire supply chain of transport modes. This review presents a comprehensive overview of research on this topic, comparing emission factors for different passenger transport modes and discussing the main drivers and parameters that affect their variability. The results are useful for researchers and policymakers to properly understand the reliability of carbon intensity indicators when evaluating the impact and effectiveness of sustainable transport policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Michel Noussan & Edoardo Campisi & Matteo Jarre, 2022. "Carbon Intensity of Passenger Transport Modes: A Review of Emission Factors, Their Variability and the Main Drivers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:17:p:10652-:d:898626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Sadia Anwar & Muhammad Yousuf Irfan Zia & Muhammad Rashid & Gerardo Zarazua de Rubens & Peter Enevoldsen, 2020. "Towards Ferry Electrification in the Maritime Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-22, December.
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    8. Horvath, Arpad & Chester, Mikhail, 2008. "Environmental Life-cycle Assessment of Passenger Transportation An Energy, Greenhouse Gas, and Criteria Pollutant Inventory of Rail and Air Transportation," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt6m5865v5, University of California Transportation Center.
    9. Michel Noussan & Matteo Jarre, 2021. "Assessing Commuting Energy and Emissions Savings through Remote Working and Carpooling: Lessons from an Italian Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-19, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ana Luiza Carvalho Ferrer & Antonio Márcio Tavares Thomé, 2023. "Carbon Emissions in Transportation: A Synthesis Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-28, May.

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