Among the many different types of human activity that contribute significantly to environmental degradation, transport occupies one of the leading positions. Its constantly increasing number of means of transport, as well as their quality and technical condition (especially in individual transport), and the culture of societies, cause a continuous increase in pollution.The aspect of environmental protection as a global issue continues to increase in importance due to the growing traffic intensity on both land and water routes (e.g., in the Baltic Sea), and consequently, the increasing burden on the environment.
The examination of the impact of transport on the environment should be carried out depending on the effects of pollution caused by the operation of various types of land and water vehicles, as well as the infrastructure accompanying them, and the scope of the losses they may cause.
1. Sources of pollution from means of transport
The emission of harmful substances from transport accounts for about 25% of all global pollution. The largest share is attributed to road transport, which consumes 30% of the world’s energy. Cars are currently the largest emitter of toxic chemical compounds, and their use requires more and more land and entails various harmful consequences, including: accidents, causing vibrations and noise, generating and raising dust, exhaust pollution, etc. A problem is the contamination of transport routes with fuel and engine oils, which occurs with leaky systems (…)
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Source: Logistyka Magazine 6/2011
The impact of water transport operations on environmental protection – PDF file for download