Tag: Air Pollution
Are night-time environmental zones coming?
The Berlin Green Party recently presented a proposal to equalise the traffic congestion in the capital. The idea is to shift delivery and commercial traffic to the night-time hours. According to Antje Kapek, transport spokesperson for the Greens, this proposal should help to ensure that delivery vehicles, refuse collection, care services and doctors get stuck less in congested and parked-up streets during the day. Low-noise and low-emission lorries could increasingly drive into cities at night and on special routes.
Bicycle instead of car - Paris in transition
A study by a public foundation has shown that more than one in ten journeys in Paris and the surrounding area are made by bicycle. This is a remarkable increase compared to 14 years ago, when less than one in thirty journeys were made by bike. Paris seems to have been endeavouring to change its transport policy for years. With more cycle paths and cycle lanes, fewer car parks and higher parking charges, the city is trying to promote cycling and reduce car traffic. But what does this mean for the existing low emission zone?
Anti-pollution zones for classic cars?
The world of classic cars is always on the move. On the one hand, there is nostalgia and the desire to keep the history of the automotive industry alive. On the other hand, there is the need to adapt to the constantly changing conditions and regulations regarding the environment and sustainability. A recent development in this context is the new "Villes et villages d'accueil des véhicules d'époque" label, which was launched by the French Federation of Historic Vehicles (FFVE). But what exactly is behind this label and what does it mean for the environmental zones?
How sunlight and CO2 can be turned into sustainable fuel
In a recent article published in the journal Sustainable Energy & Fuels, researchers present a new process that uses sunlight to convert CO2 into methanol. This methanol can be used as a sustainable fuel. This sounds promising, but is it too early to be jubilant?
Government crisis: Is the whole of Germany threatened with a weekend driving ban?
The government is seething once again. This time it's about the Climate Protection Act, which is still stuck in parliament. Transport Minister Volker Wissing has set the coalition partners a deadline and is threatening nationwide driving bans if they fail to meet it. The Greens have yet to adopt a clear position on this.
E-cars lead to a billion-euro grave - this is how expensive the transport transition is
Germany is facing a major challenge: according to a study by management consultants EY, the transport transition could turn out to be a billion-euro grave for the treasury. The switch to electric cars could cost the state around 50 billion euros by 2030. This is a huge sum that not only puts fiscal policy to the test, but also climate and environmental targets.
Almere air pollution: is the environmental zone coming?
The idyllic city of Almere is known for its picturesque landscape and modern architecture. But behind this idyllic façade lies a less pleasant truth: the air quality in Almere is far from healthy standards. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the air in Almere contains up to twice as much nitrogen dioxide as is still considered healthy.
HVO100 - Is the driving ban for standard diesel now coming?
On 22 March 2024, the German Federal Council gave its approval for the authorisation of climate-friendly pure diesel fuels. The beacon of hope of this new era is HVO100, short for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. This fuel, which is produced from the conversion of vegetable oils or recyclable waste materials, is to be available at German filling stations from 13 April 2024.
Juliana Canal: closure causes traffic collapse
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?
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?