Issue September 30, 2008
Dear Reader, September 22 was World Car-Free Day. People around the globe stayed out of their cars to make a visible statement in the fight against climate change. The next day, however, most of them were back behind the wheel. Transportation has become the backbone of modern societies. This newsletter looks into how we can become more efficient without sacrificing mobility. Our top story examines the different modes of transportation, their carbon footprints, and how to improve them. A series of short fuel profiles looks into alternative ways to propel our cars and planes. Johann Gwehenberger from the Allianz Center for Technology discusses how to drastically reduce fuel consumption without spending a fortune on new technology, and Xaver Woelfl from Allianz Elementar explains why an insurer rewards drivers who use public transportation. Enjoy reading our newsletter, and don’t miss next month’s issue on food prices. Your Allianz Knowledge Team PS: If you like the Allianz Knowledge Newsletter and our idea of sharing knowledge, why not share it with others?	Poll: Newsletter Topic Choose a topic for the November newsletter. (ends October 31, 2008) > Greenhouse Effect > U.S. Elections > Wind Power > Microfinance > view results Most Recent Media Animation Ten Ways to Make Cars More Efficient > more Interview of the Month CE Delft on Public Transportation: “It is not always better to have public transport.” > more Allianz Expert Johann Gwehenberger on Eco Driving "You can save up to 20 percent on fuel consumption just by changing your way of driving." > more
Top Story Transport and Climate: On the Road to Nowhere? Transportation is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gases. See how different modes of transportation are affecting the climate, and how they could become more sustainable. > more News Developing Countries Now Produce Over Half of Mankind's CO2 Emissions Global carbon dioxide emissions rose sharply again in 2007, the Australia-based Global Carbon Project said in its annual report published in September. Despite international emissions-curbing initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol, global emissions are increasing four times faster year-on-year than during the 1990s. For the first time, half of all CO2 emissions are now produced in developing countries, like India and China. News to Use Eco Driving: Slow Down If you're concerned about gas prices and your carbon footprint, take it easy on the accelerator. At 110 km/h (68 mph), your car uses up to 25-percent more fuel than it would at 90 km/h (55 mph). If your car has cruise control, using it on the highway will help maintain a steady speed, which saves fuel. But don’t drive too slowly, and force others to brake or accelerate to pass. > more Editor's Choice Alternative Fuels: The Road Ahead Around 95 percent of the world’s transport is powered by one fossil fuel - oil. Unfortunately, it is made of carbon, and will not last forever. What are our alternatives? Learn more about hybrid technology, electricity, hydrogen, and others. > more Calendar October 5 | World Conservation Congress The World Conservation Congress is dedicated to the preservation of the Earth’s natural environment and its use for human, social, and economic development. More than 8,000 participants, including NGOs, businesses, and governments, will gather in Barcelona to talk about integrated and long-term approaches to restoring, protecting, and sustainably using our natural assets. > more October 16 | World Food Day World Food Day 2008 will focus on “World Food Security: The Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy.” The event is meant to raise public awareness of the fight against world hunger and the need to encourage adequate agricultural production in the face of a changing climate and a growing world population. > more
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