Modeling to Reduce Oil Consumption and Emissions of Greenhouse Gases, Hydrocarbons, and Particulates for the Passenger Land Transport Sector of Bangkok

Date
2007-08
Authors
Gruber, Douglas S.
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Woodcock, Deborah
Department
Geography and Environment
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[Honolulu] : [University of Hawaii at Manoa], [August 2007]
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Abstract
Since Asia may be considered the global leader in air pollution and has the fastest growth rates of motorization, Asia is now positioned at a decision-making crossroads for vehicle sustainability with global implications. This modeling study investigates emissions and oil consumption by the passenger land transport sector of Bangkok, an Asian city in which economic and population growth over the past few decades have resulted in rapid growth in vehicle usage along with significant sustainable management issues. The study analyzes nine mitigation scenarios for reducing oil consumption and vehicle emissions of the global greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, and two smog-related pollutants of particular concern in Bangkok, hydrocarbons and particulate matter (PMto). The scenarios represent several alternative vehicle & fuel technologies as well as varying economic conditions. The LEAP2000 simulation model and data obtained from Royal Thai Government agencies are used to calculate emissions which are then compared to emission goals for the period 1995-2025. Modeling results indicate that significant emission reduction goals can indeed be achieved given reasonable management approaches and investment in alternative technologies. The most dramatic changes were in the business-as-usual scenarios, which showed up to fourfold increase in oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from 1995 to 2025. In contrast, there was essentially no change in emissions and oil consumption between 1995 and 2025 for the environmental scenarios, which assume significant, but reasonable changes in fuels and vehicle types and usage. Hydrocarbon emissions in all scenarios decreased substantially, probably due to the fact that hydrocarbons respond very well to the current conversion from uncontrolled emission exhausts to catalytic converters. Both the modeling approach and study results may be applicable in a broader geographic context in that decision-makers in similar Asian urban settings might more fully understand the choices available to them by using a similar procedure to help guide them through long-term planning for inevitable changes in their transportation systems.
Description
MA University of Hawaii at Manoa 2007
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 275–282).
Keywords
petroleum conservation, Thailand, Bangkok, greenhouse gas mitigation, air quality management
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x, 282 leaves, bound : illustrations ; 29 cm
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Related To
Theses for the degree of Master of Arts (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Geography.
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