mobility

Transforming transport means more than just switching to renewable energy sources through electromobility.

New technologies, effective and inclusive local public transport, changes in
citizens’ travel patterns and much more is needed to improve mobility and make it climate-friendly.

Discover
Perspectives

SHAPING THE TRANSFORMATION TO CLIMATE-FRIENDLY, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY

People and objects are in motion – moving greater distances and more quickly than ever before. This impacts economic systems, the demands on policy-makers, the lives of each and every one of us, and the environment.

The transport sector is responsible for around 25 per cent of worldwide energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and transport-related emissions are continuing to grow. If nothing changes, transport-related emissions will double by 2050.

To achieve the Paris Agreement targets and limit global warming to well below 2°C, the transport sector must more than halve its emissions (from 8 Gt CO2-equivalent per year to 3 Gt CO2-equivalent per year by 2050).

Mobility already has a widespread impact on global sustainable development. In addition to environmental issues, social and economic aspects are crucial elements.

The transport sector is in transition worldwide. To understand more specifically what the future of mobility could look like, it’s a good idea to change perspectives.

TRANSFORMING TRANSPORT – DISCOVER THE TOPIC FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

Transport and mobility must change. To transform transport, we must understand and reconcile the different interests of actors in order to shape solutions together. Get to know the perspectives.

_{Choose a perspective and then switch between the different texts.}

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

How do people move in different parts of the world – both to get to work and in their free time?
Some 45 per cent of the world’s population live in rural areas. Housing costs and the cost of living are much more affordable here.
How are the mobility needs of urban dwellers changing?
Today, more than half of the world’s population live in cities, and this figure is increasing.
What can I do as a citizen to contribute to transforming transport?
There are many way citizens can contribute to climate-friendly transport. For instance when on holiday
What factors does the mobility of tomorrow have to take into account?
Digitalisation, urbanisation, climate action and population development: these big trends are influencing the way we are shaping the mobility of the future

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

What role does politics play in transforming transport across the globe?
The international community has adopted national goals as a commitment to contributing to climate action.
Does politics need to be involved in transforming transport?
Policy-making has a central role to play in transforming transport.
Do policy-makers take account of the needs of different stakeholders when shaping the transformation of transport?
Mobility and environmental protection are important for each and every one of us.
Are different nations able to transform transport on their own?
Transforming transport is only possible if there is international cooperation.

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

What is the significance of the transport sector for the global economy?
The mobility sector plays a crucial part in the global economy.
How is the transport sector changing?
New actors are changing the mobility sector, above all in cities. For several years now, a number of new actors have been emerging in the urban landscape.
Won’t the change to electromobility create huge job losses?
While the changeover to producing electric cars will change the way people work in the automotive industry, it will have little impact on the amount of labour required.
What will the mobility market of the future look like?
The mobility sector is also seeing new business sectors emerge that are revolutionising the market.

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

How does science contribute to transforming transport?
To achieve climate-friendly mobility, scientists at universities are conducting research on innovative technologies and mobility concepts and are working to better understand mobility behavio ur.
Hydrogen propulsion for ships: will science advance a green future on the high seas?
Some 90 per cent of worldwide freight is transported by ship, and the sector is still expanding.
What ideas is science providing for optimised local public transport in rural areas?
In rural areas, getting from point A to point B can present quite a challenge. Self-driving buses could help change this.
What questions must science provide answers for in future?
Technical challenges are not the only conundrum associated with innovative technologies.

HOW CAN WE TRANSFORM THE TRANSPORT SECTOR TO MAKE IT CLIMATE-NEUTRAL WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON MOBILITY?

Not only do we travel a lot ourselves, whether for work, holiday or shopping, but many everyday objects travel long distances too, including food, clothing, electronics components and many other things.

Some 72 per cent of worldwide transport-related emissions are generated by road vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles. But air and maritime traffic are also causing more and more emissions. The only decrease in emissions is observed for rail traffic, as a significant share of rail transport is powered by electricity.

Many of those involved are already showing how it can be done, and solutions exist. They share a common goal: transforming mobility, which means more efficient and therefore lower energy consumption without restricting mobility, combined with an energy transition in the transport sector, in other words switching to emission-free propulsion technologies such as electromobility.

‘To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the EU must take action in all sectors.’

_{(Frans Timmermans, Vice-President of the European Commission)}