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Greenhouse Gases

In this context, human activity is primarily responsible for the emission of these gases, with the transport sector accounting for around 16.2% of total global emissions. Looking specifically at the automotive industry, it can be seen that the main pollutants are:
    • Carbon dioxide (CO2): CO2 is the main GHG released by motor vehicles and is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels.
    • Methane (CH4): methane is emitted by vehicles, especially those using natural gas as fuel. This is a much more active GHG in terms of heat retention, although it is less common than CO2.
    • Nitrous oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels and also by vehicle activity.
    • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs): Although less common compared to CO2, these chemical compounds are used in air-conditioning systems and other automotive components, presenting a high global warming potential.
GHG emissions from the automotive industry contribute significantly to climate change, making them an important focus when defining decarbonization strategies. The transition to more efficient vehicles with a lower carbon footprint is therefore a key aspect if regions and territories are to achieve carbon neutrality.