According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the transport sector is responsible for approximately a quarter of the EU's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whilst also causing noise pollution, air pollution and the fragmentation of natural habitats. According to the EEA, this is the only economic sector in which greenhouse gas emissions have increased since 1990. The organisation states that transport has changed as follows between 2000 and 2019:

• A 20% increase in passenger transport.
• An 86% increase in air traffic.
• An 18% increase in passenger car transport.
• A 22% increase in freight transport.

Therefore, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the necessary restorations must be ensured. The growing demand for transport also affects carbon dioxide emissions. The only viable solution is therefore to create alternative options to reduce the environmental impact of transport, as well as to encourage individuals to walk, cycle and make greater use of public transport. How has the transport sector responded to this situation in recent years and can we expect further innovations?

In the age of climate change, electrification is a key tool for achieving sustainable transport. Electric vehicles (EVs) can completely transform the way we travel, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels.

One of the greatest advantages of electric cars is that they produce no harmful emissions. Unlike internal combustion engines that burn fossil fuels, electric cars use drive systems powered by batteries or fuel cells. The operation of these motors produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions. This reduces health risks associated with vehicle emissions, improves local air quality and also reduces air pollution.

Maximum benefits can be achieved when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources. Thanks to the cleaner operation of the electricity grid and the greater use of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles offer the opportunity for transport to completely decouple from fossil fuel consumption. The transition to vehicles powered by renewable energy further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the development of a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

An important aspect of electromobility is the availability of charging infrastructure. To dispel "range anxiety" and increase confidence in electromobility, governments, private companies and other stakeholders must invest in the development of charging infrastructure. Sufficient charging stations must be installed in public spaces, workplaces, residential areas and along roads to facilitate long-distance travel and daily commuting. Good and sufficient charging infrastructure increases interest in electric vehicles and helps achieve our ambitious decarbonisation goals.

Public transport plays a key role in the transition to sustainable transport, as it provides efficient and affordable mobility for more people compared to private cars. It enables significant reductions in greenhouse gases and traffic congestion that increases fuel consumption. Below, we present how public transport can contribute to achieving Europe's carbon neutrality goals:

Lower emissions - Buses, trams, trains and underground transport carry more people than private cars. According to the UN, switching from private cars to public transport can reduce an individual's carbon footprint by up to 2.2 tonnes per year.

Better fuel efficiency - Vehicles used in public transport are designed for maximum capacity and fuel efficiency. Buses and trains, for example, offer greater passenger capacity, which reduces energy consumption and emissions per person. As a result of technological advancement, hybrid and electric buses are also being produced, which increase fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.

Less traffic congestion - Traffic jams frequently occur in urban areas, leading to time wastage, higher fuel consumption and increased levels of pollution. Congestion can be mitigated by encouraging the use of public transport, which improves traffic flow and reduces commuting time for both public transport users and private vehicle owners.

Human-powered transport or active transport includes walking, cycling and running. Active transport, when encouraged and prioritised, brings numerous benefits to people, communities and the environment. It requires no fossil fuels, making it emission-free, which contributes to better air quality.

Additionally, human-powered transport results in improved public health. Obesity, heart disease and diabetes are just some of the chronic diseases that can be prevented through regular walking or cycling. Making active commuting a regular habit reduces the negative effects of sedentary work, increases cardiovascular fitness and contributes to improved overall health. Active transport is better for the environment, better for health and better for the wallet.

While the transition to electromobility has proven successful thus far, electric vehicles are not suitable for all modes of transport and situations. In aviation and maritime transport, for example, electrification poses challenges due to energy density and range, as well as insufficient infrastructure. Ammonia could be an ideal alternative for maritime transport, as it can be used directly on ships as a replacement for fossil fuels. Ammonia can be produced from renewable sources, and through an environmentally friendly ammonia production process, this fuel guarantees carbon neutrality.

Other types of alternative fuels being utilised include biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells and synthetic fuels. Biofuels are made from biomass, such as plant residues, algae or waste materials. Biofuels can replace conventional fuels or be used simultaneously, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Although certain alternative fuels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the ultimate goal must be to transition to zero-emission fuels. This includes the production of renewable hydrogen and the development of advanced technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and direct air capture, to ensure that the production process of alternative fuels does not result in significant emissions.

Since the early 2000s, we have made significant progress in reducing the impact of transport on our planet. Numerous innovations have enabled new technologies to enter the market. These technologies will continue to develop in the future. However, as the most effective innovations are still awaited, certain infrastructural changes may be necessary. What we do know is that we are heading in the right direction, as more people than ever before are aware of their own carbon footprint and are making increasingly sustainable decisions in their daily lives.