Module 1B Dirty Transport Transport is a significant contributing factor to climate change, due to the emissions of noxious gases Europe is one of the places in the world with a high percentage of emissions In fact, the increase in the use of means of transport is closely associated with the need of mobility and the globalisation of trade The European Commission is in charge of formulating policies in order to control transport emissions The Commission addresses topics related to urban mobility, such as traffic congestion, infrastructure, and the use of clean and energy-efficient technology While there are yet many regulations to introduce, many others have already come into force Westminster is a representative example of the adoption of green measures Its Council has developed a programme which aims at helping the environment by reducing air pollution As using cars is sometimes unavoidable, there are still some suggestions that people can adopt Thus, the government advises the population to drive smart so as to reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions Moreover, those who have an electric car can register in order to use the on-street recharging service Furthermore, authorities not only encourage inhabitants to cycle but also offer them cycling training sessions And people can even hire bicycles Another alternative that Westminster City Council provides to reduce air pollution is the use of public transport; for instance, the underground, the overland rail, buses and river buses Therefore, there is a reduction in the number of cars and traffic jams Without any doubt, there is nothing like walking to keep the air clean and keep fit as well On its webpage, the Council offers a list of the benefits of walking and a journey planner to calculate the distance of a route and the time it will take a pedestrian to cover it Nowadays, reducing transport emissions seems an arduous task It seems almost impossible not to use cars to move in large cosmopolitan cities like those in Europe But if international and local authorities work together to find solutions, people will become aware of other alternatives and there will be more positive results Frank Hebbert © Adapted from: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/environment/greencity English Toolkit - Language & Culture Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A / Richmond 2011 Going Green! Module 1B Activities 1 Answer these questions a What does the term transport emissions refer to? b What green measures does the Westminster Council implement? c Which public means of transport can people use in Westminster to reduce gas emissions? 2 Read the text and circle the connectors Then complete with an a exemplifying: b adding information: c showing contrast: Match the phrases a The emission of gases will increase b If people cannot avoid using the car, c If pedestrians use the journey planner, d If there are no official regulations, e People can attend cycling training sessions, .they will know the distance they have to cover .if they want to feel confident when cycling in the city .they can adopt some suggestions to drive smart .if the European Commision does not take measures .it will be difficult to reduce transport emissions 4 Find information about the measures taken in your country / city to reduce the emission of gases Think of more possible solutions and design a leaflet English Toolkit - Language & Culture Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A / Richmond 2011 example of a connector used for