DETERMINANTS OF VEHICULAR EMISSION LEVELS IN SELECTED URBAN CENTRES IN GHANA

Vehicular exhaust emissions are a major source of air pollution in urban areas, despite technological improvements in internal combustion engines. These emissions contain particulate matter and greenhouse gases that contribute to environmental degradation, climate change, and adverse human health effects. The combustion of fossil fuels, particularly petrol and diesel, releases pollutants such as carbon dioxide and other harmful substances into the atmosphere. Excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to rising global temperatures and changes in climatic conditions. Particulate emissions are also a major concern because of their potential effects on human health and environmental quality. This study examines the factors influencing vehicular exhaust emission levels, with particular attention to vehicle-related pollution, fuel combustion, and their environmental implications. Understanding these factors is essential for identifying major contributors to urban air pollution and developing effective emission-control strategies. The study is expected to provide insights that can support environmental management, sustainable transportation planning, and policies aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and their associated health and climatic impacts.