Abstract:

In Germany, the transport sector accounts for almost 20% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 95% of which are emitted by road transport. The Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle this issue on behalf of the German Federal Government. With the Climate Action Programme 2020 it has set the ambitious goal to reduce GHG emissions by 40% by 2020 relative to 1990 levels. The programme mentions concrete reduction potentials and measures. As for transport, the proposed measures have the capability to reduce the GHG emissions in the sector by 7 to 10 million tons CO2 equivalent by 2020.

Germany’s core approach for sustainable mobility is the “avoid-shift-improve” approach. Avoiding transport demand is tackled through integrated urban and spatial planning. Mode shifting can be achieved through concrete monetary measures. Car taxes and road charges for trucks play a significant role. The programme also addresses the strengthening of public transport and rail freight as well as other sustainable modes such as walking and cycling as further actions for a shift towards sustainability.

Concrete measures to improve transport-related emissions include fuel economy regulations and air quality standards. The diffusion of electric mobility and the development of other alternative fuels are keys to reach long-term reduction goals.