Transportation, Pollution and the Environment

摘要

The importance of modern day transport systems and the transportation industry in the world economy cannot be over emphasized. However, it is now widely recognized that air pollution and environmental degradation are directly linked to the rapid growth of automobile, air, rail, and sea modes of transport. These transportation services and their allied industries are key contributors to every nation's gross domestic product. This work will endeavour to highlight the general areas of concern with regard to pollution and environmental degradation as a consequence of this rapid growth and expansion, with a focus on diesel emissions. These areas are (1) Pollution in highly populated urban areas (cities) with their high rate of personal or private transport rather than public transport systems; (2) The effects of modern day transport systems on the depletion of the ozone layer, which is responsible for climatic changes; and (3) The legislative and effective control systems required to meet the current environmental demands, which this work will endeavour to critically present and analyse.