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Climate Action

Overview

The EU transport sector and its contribution to reaching climate neutrality

Transport represents almost a quarter of Europe's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is the main cause of air pollution in cities. Transport is one of the EU's only remaining economic sectors where emissions are still above 1990 levels. Road transport is by far the biggest emitter within the sector, accounting for more than 70% of all GHG emissions from transport. At the same time, aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions. Similarly, while maritime transport plays an essential role in the EU economy and is one of the most energy-efficient transport modes, it is also a large and growing emissions source.

To achieve climate neutrality, we need to reduce transport emissions by 90% by 2050. Road, rail, aviation, waterborne transport and active mobility will all have to contribute to this reduction. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthy and clean alternatives to their current mobility habits.

The Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable and Smart Mobility addresses the broader challenges of the transition to zero-emission mobility and sets out a roadmap for putting European transport firmly on the right track for a sustainable and smart future. It lays the foundation for the EU transport system to achieve its green and digital transformation and become more resilient to future crises.

Documentation

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