Abstract:

The climate bill that Germany passed in December 2019 sets yearly limits to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that each of its economic sectors may release over the next decade. The limit for the transport sector in 2030 is 95 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. This represents a reduction of 42% relative to 1990 levels, and the upper target defined in Germany’s 2050 Climate Action Plan.  The targets in the 2019 bill serve to meet Germany’s commitments at the European level while setting a course to reach greenhouse gas neutrality at the national level by 2050. The purpose of this study is to provide basic conceptual clarity. Moreover, we want to supply the rational foundations for central policy decisions. In particular, we answer the question: Which regulation can ensure that the transition from internal combustion engines to low-emission drive trains and energy sources succeeds as cost-efficiently as possible? The following study takes an objective approach to discussions of technology neutrality and sustainable transport, creating the kind of solid foundation that expedient policy needs. And with the transition to sustainable transport set to begin in earnest, such policy is more urgent than ever.