Transport sector greenhouse gas emissions

Key Finding

The transport sector is Queensland’s third largest source of emissions overall. This reflects Queensland’s economic growth and the importance of passenger cars.

Emissions were 22.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2018. This represents 13% of Queensland’s total emissions and the long-term trend indicates increasing emissions.

• This compares with 11.3 MtCO₂e in 1990.
• In 2005, emissions were 17.9 MtCO₂e.

Road transport is the main source of this sector’s GHG emissions, contributing 84% of the sectors emissions in 2018.

• Passenger cars account for 45% of the sector’s emissions (10.2 MtCO₂e).
• Heavy-duty trucks and buses generated 22% (4.9 MtCO₂e), with most of this attributed to trucks.
• Light commercial vehicles 17% (3.8 MtCO₂e).

Other transport areas also have experienced emission increases:

• Domestic aviation accounted for 11% of the sector’s emissions (2.4 MtCO₂e). Its emission contribution has increased by 64% since 2005.
• Railways, only a small contributor of emissions (3%), increased emissions by 20% in the period 2005–2018.
• Other transport – which includes emissions mostly from pipelines associated with the gas industry — grew strongly by 246% in the period 2005–2018.

Queensland has the third highest share of emissions from the transport sector behind NSW and Victoria.

More information:

• State and Territory Greenhouse Gas Inventory – 2018

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals’ targets

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