Transport

• Are petrol or diesel cars more environmentally friendly?

• How can people cut down on flights when there is no alternative available when visiting family members who live abroad?

• Are we suggesting people try to stay in Ireland when we are an island state and there are few alternatives to flying?

• Public transport is overpriced or poorly interconnected when travelling around the country; why not fly, as it is cheaper in some cases?

• How can people reduce their yearly mileage by car when there is not sufficient public transport in place?

• Cycling is quite dangerous due to a lack of sufficient road space for such activities; how can people cycle to work instead of driving when this is the situation?

 Are petrol or diesel cars more environmentally friendly?

While diesel cars are more fuel-efficient than petrol cars and produce less CO₂ emissions there are other impacts that may be relevant. Diesel cars emit more NOx gases, and also small particulate matter (PM), which means the air you breathe on the street may be dirtier due to the presence of diesel engines. NOx gases react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight to form photochemical smog. This has ramifications for pedestrians' and cyclists' general health due to the greater contribution to smog formation. Newer generations of diesel engines are designed to reduce the emissions of these other pollutants.

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 How can people cut down on flights when there is no alternative available when visiting family members who live abroad?

The Change campaign is not suggesting that you stop visiting loved ones. We are suggesting that you cut down on flights where possible, take alternative modes of transport, or look at another area of your life where you can make a change. There are many solutions available to us; we just need to assess the situation in a more holistic fashion.

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 Are we suggesting people try to stay in Ireland when we are an island state and there are few alternatives to flying?

The Change campaign suggests that people try to take alternative methods of transport where possible. Domestic flights are very polluting. We are suggesting that people utilise more sustainable transport methods, especially as an alternative to taking internal flights.

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 Public transport is overpriced or poorly interconnected when travelling around the country; why not fly, as it is cheaper in some cases?

Flying internally in Ireland is a carbon intensive method of travel. Many bus and train routes are considerably cheaper than flying. We recommend that people avoid internal flights where possible as these flights produce considerable amounts of carbon dioxide with respect to the distance travelled.

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 How can people reduce their yearly mileage by car when there is not sufficient public transport in place?

The Change campaign acknowledges that not everyone has access to adequate public transport. However there are things that we can all do to reduce our impact on climate change through transport. Public transport is constantly being improved in this country. In towns and cities where commuter buses and trains are available, you should make use of these options where possible. In rural areas, try taking the train or bus on your next trip to Dublin. Leaving the car at home is not only beneficial to the environment; it saves on fuel costs as well as the stress of being stuck in traffic. Perhaps try car pooling with work colleagues or when bringing the children to school.

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 Cycling is quite dangerous due to a lack of sufficient road space for such activities; how can people cycle to work instead of driving when this is the situation?

There are major cycling lanes installed in most urban centres. We recommend that you plan the safest possible route before taking to the road. Also it is essential that you make yourself as visible as possible by fitting lights and wearing reflective or luminous clothing. Also you should wear a helmet as it could save your life. The rules of the road should be obeyed to ensure your safety. Cycling will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but it will leave you with a viable form of exercise, and save time for those who cannot make it to the gym.