Transport

In 2026, emission allowances in the German national emissions trading system (nETS) will be auctioned for the first time. The auctions, conducted within a set price corridor, mark the transition to the new European Emissions Trading System for fuels (EU ETS 2). The German Environment Agency commissioned the Leipzig-based energy exchange, European Energy Exchange (EEX), to conduct the auctions.

Many Germans desire to travel sustainably, but this wish is hardly reflected in their actual travel behaviour up to now. This is shown by the new report from the demand monitor “Sustainability in Holiday Travel” by the Research Association for Holidays and Travel (FUR) together with the German Environment Agency (UBA).

Without freight transport shop shelves would be empty, and the economy would grind to a halt. But transporting goods and waste generates noise, air pollutants and greenhouse gases. To counter this the UBA in its vision for 2045 recommends to shift transports to trains and inland shipping while electrifying lorries and ships and avoiding goods transport altogether whenever possible.

The court has ruled in favour of UBA in its fight against misleading greenwashing. In its ruling of 20 February 2025, the Federal Court of Justice confirmed the decision of the lower court, the Dessau-Roßlau Regional Court. The court had imposed strict controls on general and comparative advertising. Information on offers for CO₂ offsetting must be meaninful and transparent.

The transport of passengers and freight generates greenhouse gases (GHG) – not only through the actual transport activities, but also as a result of the processes at the individual locations or through services. On behalf of the UBA, a guideline has been produced which provides information for the standardised calculation and reporting of GHG emissions along transport chains.

Transport policy is an extremely controversial and emotional issue; many think the transport transition makes sense and is necessary, while others feel it's unrealistic or overwhelming. A study by the German Environment Agency (UBA) reveals the real social challenges involved and provides suggestions for political measures that could help ensure the transition benefits everyone.

The German Environment Agency's (UBA) Environmental Monitor 2024 once again presents a mixed picture of the state of the environment in Germany. While there have been successes in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, many indicators show a clear need for action.

In the second year of the national emissions trading scheme (nEHS), emissions within its scope amounted to 288.5 million tonnes of CO₂.

Driverless shuttles on the roads, assistance systems in passenger cars and route planning on your phone – these and other current and future developments in the digitalisation of transport, their opportunities and risks, and necessary constraints were analysed in two UBA research projects. The results have now been summarised and published in a brochure.

Vehicles have an impact on the environment and climate not only during operation, but also during production and disposal. According to a recent study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA), electric cars registered in 2020 are around 40 per cent more climate-friendly than cars with petrol engines.

A total of around 750 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent was emitted in Germany in 2022. This is 9.6 million tonnes or 1.3 per cent less than in 2021 and 40 per cent less than in 1990.

Sustainable mobility saves energy – and in many different ways. As part of the European Mobility Week (EMW), which takes place from 16 to 22 September, municipalities together with local actors are demonstrating that being sustainably mobile can also save energy.