Green transition of the mobility sector

Germany aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from transport to 85 million tonnes – almost half the 2019 figure – by 2030. By 2045, the transport sector must be carbon-neutral. However, the transport sector’s contribution to climate change mitigation is still unsatisfactory, with no reduction in its CO2 emissions by 2019 compared with 1990, the baseline year. In light of the immense challenges, a high level of climate policy ambition is required if emissions are to fall. At the same time, the volume of traffic will continue to increase unless appropriate policy measures are taken; here, a sustainability-based approach is needed – with alternative propulsion systems and a phase-out of the internal combustion engine, and with integrated mobility offers, joint use schemes such as car-sharing, more attractive public transport services, and an improved walking and cycling infrastructure.

Which scenarios will enable the climate targets to be met? Which measures and mechanisms can make genuine contributions to climate change mitigation, and what will be the effect of combining different instruments? These questions are the focus of the Oeko-Institut’s work on the mobility transition. Its researchers devise climate and resource policy strategies, assess the impacts of specific measures, develop and review alternative mobility and propulsion concepts, and propose options for eco-friendly freight transport.