40 new methane buses, Di Carlo: “it contributes to global warming”
The regional transport company Tua recently announced the purchase of 40 new methane buses, touting the move as a step towards environmental sustainability.But is it? Experts are questioning whether this choice truly reduces climate impact.
“Methane, if emitted into the atmosphere, contributes to climate change,” explains Piero Di Carlo, a full professor of Chemical Physics at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and a researcher at the national Research Council (CNR). “It has a GWP 72 times greater than carbon dioxide over 25 years, 25 times greater over 100 years, and 8 times greater over 500 years.”
while methane buses produce fewer exhaust emissions than those running on traditional fuels, they still contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants like ozone and atmospheric particulates, impacting air quality, notably in cities.
Abruzzo Mobility Faces Complex Challenges
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The bus purchase arrives amidst a elaborate landscape for mobility in Abruzzo. Since January 1,2026,local public transport tickets have increased by 2.1%, and some train journeys-specifically on the Chieti-Pescara university route-have been cancelled, disrupting commutes for students and workers.
“To make emission reduction policies credible, it’s necessary to focus on efficient public transport and technologies that substantially reduce climate and health impacts,” Di Carlo observes. “Temporary solutions risk slowing down progress towards our objectives.”
Electric Mobility Incentives Diminish
Further complicating matters is the reduction of incentives for electric mobility. Several municipalities, including Pescara, have revoked free parking for electric cars-a benefit that previously represented a tangible sign of support for the transition.This contrasts with larger Italian cities like Bologna, Rome, and Milan, which continue to offer concessions and tariff reductions.
“Electric cars aren’t just useful for reducing CO,” Di Carlo emphasizes, “they’re essential for reducing nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths every year in Europe. Discouraging their use worsens air quality.”
A Need for Integrated Planning
The core issue, according to the expert, is a lack of integrated vision. “Public transport, electric mobility, and urban planning should proceed together. Disconnected, or even regressive, interventions risk rendering declared climate commitments meaningless.”
