In Reunion, each adult emits a ton of CO2 on average when traveling by car, according to a recent INSEE report analyzing 2022 data.
Car emissions represent a significant burden in terms of climate commitments. Nevertheless, the island is among the least emitting French departments. Indeed, households in Réunion own fewer cars than elsewhere, their vehicles are newer, less heavy and less powerful. However, underlines INSEE, the number of cars and their characteristics are getting closer, over time, of the national average. A quarter of emissions linked to household car travel are generated by commuting alone. Eight out of ten adults choose the car to go to work and these motorists are the source of almost all emissions linked to commuting.. If 10% of motorists went to work by bike or public transport, the reduction in these emissions would be between 4 and 9,5%.
Another observation : people living where the bus network is most developed emit less CO2 than others to go to work. This is also the case for women, employees and young people.
