Transport transition and climate protection also possible in the short term

The transport transition and climate protection are directly linked to urban and rural living. Both objectives have a major impact on people's quality of life. Politically threatened driving bans are the opposite of quality of life and do not lead anywhere. An overall concept is more effective than many uncoordinated individual measures.

If investments in the transport sector and the taxation of transport are made climate-friendly, a trend reversal with significant reductions in emissions from over 145 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents today to 80 to 85 million tonnes in 2030 is possible. This is the conclusion of a new study conducted by the Öko-Institut and INFRAS on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency.

Electrification and a shift to climate-friendly modes of transport such as public transport and rail are key measures that will have a rapid impact. According to the study, suitable political instruments for climate-friendly transport include adapting the tax system: for example, a higher vehicle tax could be levied on new car purchases depending on CO2 emissions. Higher investment in climate-friendly modes of transport would also make sense.

In addition, the introduction of a mileage-based car toll should be prepared where possible. This could be used to price the consequential costs of motoring for all drive systems.

The study shows that higher-income households are more able to invest in zero-emission technologies such as electric cars, while lower-income households are more affected by climate protection measures.

"The effect is particularly noticeable in rural areas, where there is little public transport and people are increasingly dependent on cars and travelling long distances," says Konstantin Kreye, project manager at the Öko-Institut. "We need to develop concepts as quickly as possible to help low-income households switch to climate-friendly mobility solutions in a targeted manner."

(Photo: © Steven Liao, Pixabay)