The unexpected announcement of an eight-month closure of the Juliana Canal has come as a blow to the transport and business sector. The surprising decision has been met with incomprehension and criticism from the TLN, VNO-NCW and Royal Dutch Inland Navigation trade associations. What impact will the closure have on traffic and air quality?
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 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.
Electromobility currently seems to be the industry's irrefutable future. But while companies like Volkswagen are forging ahead, other groups such as BMW, Skoda, General Motors and above all Mercedes are changing their strategy. Instead of focussing exclusively on electric drives, they are once again focusing more on customer requirements and are even planning to develop the diesel further.
Particulate matter is not only dangerous for humans, but also for bees and other insects. New studies show that high concentrations of particulate matter in the air impair the ability of bees to perceive floral odours. As a result, they visit fewer flowers, which in turn leads to a decline in pollination. Without pollination, there is no fruit, no vegetables and no cereals. It's a worrying cycle that could have serious consequences for our ecosystem and ultimately our food supply.
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.
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.
The daily morning car journeys to school, known as parent taxis, are now a widespread phenomenon in German cities. However, this type of school transport not only harbours safety risks, but also impairs the air quality around schools. The German Association of Cities therefore recently called for more room for manoeuvre for cities and municipalities to take action against this practice.
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.
The end of diesel in Munich seems to have been heralded. The Bavarian Administrative Court (VGH) has ruled that Euro 5 diesels will no longer be allowed to enter Munich's low emission zone. A step that should significantly improve air quality in the city, but what does this mean for the 70,000 or so drivers affected?
