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Carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector have increased as fast as those in the residential and commercial sector in recent years, accounting for some 20% of total carbon dioxide emissions in Japan. Among transportation modes, automobiles account for some 90% of the transport sector's emissions (Figures 7 and Figures 8).
Transport volume by automobiles has been increasing associated
with the progress in motorization. Automobiles capture a high share of transport
volume in terms of both passengers and freight.
Behind the increase in automobile transport is the rising number of private
cars and other vehicles in use (now at about 73 million units), the growing
number of driver's license holders (now at about 71 million persons) and the
progress in development of roads including expressway networks. Especially,
the recent trends in the rising number of automobiles include a remarkable increase
in the number of large-sized cars (3-number ordinary cars) and multi-purpose
vehicles in response to the booming outdoor recreation. The expanding engine
displacement has accelerated carbon dioxide emissions (Figure
9). The rising number of automobiles in use has led to shopping styles and
recreation dependent on automobiles in the national livelihood and the production
and distribution system dependent on small-lot, frequent transport using automobiles
in economic activities. The use of automobiles is now a prerequisite for life
in Japanese society.
If the current trends remain unchanged, the Japanese transport sector's carbon dioxide emissions in 2010 are estimated to be 40% greater than those in 1990 (Figure 10).
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