Transport

Mobility is an important requirement for our economy and a basic human need. However, traffic creates many problems that harm people and the environment. In addition to CO₂ emissions and other climate-damaging greenhouse gases, traffic-related air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are a major health hazard. A comprehensive concept for sustainable mobility emphasises traffic avoidance and the shift of traffic to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. It includes the technical optimisation of drive systems and a switch to sustainable alternative fuels. An important pillar of sustainable mobility is eco-mobility with buses and trains as well as bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

European Mobility Week: Sustainable mobility creates connections

a lot of colourful bicycles in a bicycle stand

Sustainable mobility connects people, towns and places. During European Mobility Week (EMW) from 16 to 22 September 2022, communities throughout Germany and all over Europe will put their creativity and resourcefulness on display to show that sustainable mobility can create ties between us in many – and better – ways. read more

Aviation and maritime transport – Roadmaps to accelerate e-fuels

In this online workshop on 16 November 2021 policy roadmaps for accelerating the uptake of e-fuels in air and maritime transport developed by Öko-Institut, CE Delft and DLR on behalf of the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) will be presented and discussed. read more

European Mobility Week: national competition to start in autumn

Car-free days, free public transport, e-cargo bike trials – Since its launch in 2002, more and more municipalities as well as companies, associations and educational institutions have been taking part in European Mobility Week (EMW). The German Environment Agency (UBA) is launching the first nationwide competition this year to honour this commitment. read more

Two German municipalities among the group of finalists for the international European Mobility Week awards

Auf einem Parkplatz steht ein großes Gefährt quer und Menschen sind aus der Vogelperspektive zu sehen, die im Freien an ihren Laptops arbeiten.

The EU Commission will award prizes within the framework of EMW in two categories to the municipalities with the most innovative and ambitious programmes. An international jury draws up a shortlist of finalists. Two German cities are among the finalists this year. read more

European Mobility Week: Zero-emission mobility for all

Straße mit niedrigen Fachwerkhäusern und einem Zebrastreifen, der von einer Frau mit Blindenstock, einem Rollstuhlfahrer und zwei weiteren Fußgängerinnen überquert wird.

Zero-emission mobility should be possible for all. However, the current German transportation system penalises far too many population groups who, for example, suffer from a lack of accessibility or live on busy roads. During European Mobility Week from September 16-22, 93 towns and cities in Germany will show how mobility can be organised in a socially just manner. read more

Current transport policy puts people with low income at a disadvantage

Ein Fahrradfahrer in einem Stau mit Autos

Today's transportation system in Germany shows numerous social injustices, says a position paper by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). Low-income households in particular are disadvantaged, for example because they more frequently live on roads with higher traffic volumes and thus higher noise and air pollution levels - even though they often do not drive. read more

Loud motorcycles and cars becoming annoying

The only recently revised international noise approval regulations for motor vehicles are not suitable for preventing extreme noise emissions in road traffic. This is according to a recent study for the German Environment Agency (UBA). Various brand-new motorcycles and sports cars that complied with the approval regulations were 20 dB or more louder during measurements outside the type test area o read more