Plan to halve fuel consumption by 2050 revealed

The ’50 by 50′ Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) claims that cars could halve their fuel consumption over the next four decades through the adoption of an ambitious worldwide programme.

Car ownership is set to triple during this period, potentially leading to a worrying rise in global emissions.

The GFEI is based on a report commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Energy Agency, International Transport Forum and FIA Foundation.

The report claims annual savings of 2 gigatonnes of CO2 are possible by 2050, equivalent to half the EU’s combined emissions.

It says these saving could be achieved using existing, affordable technology such as better engines and drive trains, more efficient tyres and lighter materials.

The organisations behind the initiative now hope to work with the car industry and other key players to implement its recommendations.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP executive director said: “The crucial UN climate convention meeting, taking place in some 300 days in Copenhagen must agree a deep, decisive and comprehensive deal to lift the threat of global warming from the lives of billions of people.

“Transport is a crucial sector in this transformation to a low carbon, green economy.

“The world’s car fleet is expected to triple by 2050 with 80 per cent of this growth in developing economies. Thus an initiative like GEFI has a key role to play.

“We would urge the world’s car and component makers to get on board to prove that they too are part of the solution.”

David Gibbs