Category: EU
Mega trucks in Europe: a curse or a blessing?
The sight of huge, powerful lorries on Europe's motorways could soon become a reality. The European Parliament recently passed a measure that could make it possible to allow so-called "mega trucks" on the roads of EU countries. But what does this mean for the climate? Can these giants really reduce emissions from freight transport?
Air pollution: life expectancy falls by 6 years
Air pollution is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, with the climate crisis playing a key role. This is the alarming conclusion of a study by the Swiss company Indice de Qualité de l'Air (IQAir). The consequences for health are devastating: in the countries most affected, life expectancy could fall by up to six years.
Euro 7 emissions standard: Will Euro 6 vehicles now be banned?
The Euro 7 emissions standard recently adopted by the EU Parliament is a seemingly positive step towards cleaner air. But on closer inspection, the agreement turns out to be a deceptive illusion that offers little more than the current Euro 6 standard.
ACEEE study: The most environmentally friendly car is not an electric vehicle!
Electromobility is a key building block for more sustainable mobility. Electric cars are considered to be significantly more environmentally friendly than their petrol-guzzling counterparts. However, a recent study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) shows: Electric cars are not always the more environmentally friendly option. In 2024, a plug-in hybrid, the Toyota Prius Prime SE, will top the list of the most environmentally friendly cars. This is despite the fact that electric cars follow in the next four places.
Airbus and the zero-emission fuel cell: are clean flights finally coming?
In January 2021, Airbus will put its first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell into operation. This is an important step towards the development of a hydrogen-powered aircraft. By opening a development centre for hydrogen technologies in Lower Saxony, Airbus is strengthening its presence in Germany and underlining its ambitions in the field of climate-neutral aviation.
E-fuels as an alternative to electric - what is the current status?
The discussion about sustainable mobility has recently focussed increasingly on e-fuels. E-fuels, synthetic fuels obtained by reversing the combustion process, have the potential to offer a climate-friendly alternative to electric drives. However, their environmental compatibility and energy balance still need to be investigated further.
New EU air quality regulations: Hundreds of new low emission zones and driving bans possible
In its constant endeavour to protect the health of its citizens and the environment, the European Union has introduced a new set of air quality regulations. Following intensive negotiations between the European Parliament and representatives of the Member States, an agreement has been reached: The limit values for various air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, are to be significantly reduced by 2030. This reform has far-reaching implications for low emission zones in Europe.
Technology battle against CO2 and climate change
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. With record temperatures and CO2 emissions in 2023, the 1.5-degree climate target seems to be receding ever further into the distance. In this situation, carbon capture and storage technology (CCS) is increasingly coming into focus. This is a technology for capturing and storing CO2 underground, which was a rather theoretical option for a long time, but is now becoming increasingly important due to the pressure to act to save the climate.
Cars are getting wider and wider - are width restrictions or increasing parking fees coming to European cities?
Drivers' love of SUVs has meant that the average width of cars in Europe has increased by half a centimetre every year since 2001. This development brings with it a number of challenges, particularly in terms of parking facilities and road safety. A study by the European umbrella organisation Transport & Environment shows that half of new cars are now too wide for many parking spaces in European cities. The researchers are therefore in favour of a European upper limit for the width of cars.
Less CO2 emissions from electric cars - European Court of Auditors takes stock
A recently published report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) found that CO2 emissions from cars in the EU have not fallen despite stricter regulations and increased average targets. The report concludes that while electric cars could make an important contribution to reducing emissions, their share is not growing fast enough to make a significant difference.