CO2 (carbon dioxide, or carbon for short) is a colorless, non-flammable, odorless gas. 0.03% of the natural earth's atmosphere is made up of CO2. The gas is not only a vital prerequisite for the growth of plants and algae, it also generates a natural greenhouse effect. Should the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere increase by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and forest depletion increase to more than 450 parts per million (2006: 381 ppm, annual increase currently 2 ppm), scientists presume that the average global temperature will increase by more than two degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial level. In this case, scientists expect a clear acceleration in climate change. Possible consequences could be that Greenland's ice sheet melts, the Indian monsoon ceases or the Amazon rain forest dies out.

Volume of one ton of gas

Gases are not tangible substances. It is often difficult to visualize corresponding quantities. A comparison helps. One ton of CO2 would approximately fill a swimming pool measuring ten meters wide, 25 meters long and two meters deep!

Comparative carbon pollution

Each person's lifestyle plays a part in carbon pollution (consumption, travel, etc.). For example, operating a fridge generates 100 kg of carbon each year. Car mileage of around 12,000 km per year generates on average about 2,200 kg carbon emissions or around 180 grams per kilometer

The climate-compatible annual budget of a person is 3,000 kg carbon per year. According to a survey by the Dutch Energy Agency MNP, the per capita emissions of various countries differ as follows:

USA: 19.4 tons per year
Russia: 11.8 tons per year
EU: 8.6 tons per year
China: 5.1 tons per year
India: 1.8 tons per year

24% of global carbon emissions are caused by private or commercial transports. Within these sectors, :

18% is attributable to road transports
3% to air traffic
2% to shipping traffic
1% to other transports

Specific carbon emissions by the individual modes of transport (referred to Germany in 2007) for average utilization rates:

Rail transport: 24 grams per ton-kilometer
Trucks: 88 grams per ton-kilometer
Airplanes: 665 grams per ton-kilometer
Ships (barges): 35 grams per ton-kilometer

The increase in transport volumes in Europe will probably cause a 25% increase in carbon emissions in the transport sector between 1990 and 2010. By contrast, in other sectors such as the energy, industry, agriculture and disposal, they are forecast to fall by up to 47%.

Schenker AG’s environment report

The link here refers the user to the Environmental Report Schenker AG. The report includes Schenker AG’s carbon footprint validated compliant to ISO 14064-1. In addition, the report contains comprehensive information on Schenker AG’s variety of ecological activities and respective further perspektives.