Assessing the contribution of mobility in the European Union to rubber expansion

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Natural rubber is vital for global mobility, primarily for tire production, accounting for nearly 75% of its use.
• Increasing mobility trends pose risks to tropical ecosystems due to potential rubber plantation expansion.
• The European Union's consumption of natural rubber contributes significantly to this global demand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify natural rubber consumption in EU tires and its associated land footprint.
• To identify the primary drivers of natural rubber use in tires within the EU.
• To explore policy implications for reducing the environmental impact on tropical landscapes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of country-specific transport statistics within the EU.
• Examination of trade registers for rubber goods.
• Quantification of land use corresponding to natural rubber consumption in tires.

Main Results:

• The EU consumes 5% of the world's natural rubber for tires, impacting plantation areas in producing countries.
• Passenger car usage drives 58% of this natural rubber consumption in the EU.
• Car dependency is linked to economic prosperity and urban planning, influencing consumption patterns.

Conclusions:

• EU tire consumption has a substantial land footprint in tropical regions.
• Policies addressing car dependency are necessary to mitigate environmental impacts.
• Integrated policies are needed to balance decarbonization goals with reduced land use in sensitive ecosystems.