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?
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.
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 range of electric cars is a decisive factor when buying. But most cars never reach the manufacturers' specifications. Sales tricks to make the cars more attractive? The manufacturers reject the suspicion of deliberate deception. While the EU is still on the side of the manufacturers, things are getting tight for Tesla in the USA.
Thanks to superconductors, cars and trucks can not only travel at top speed, but can also do so completely free of local emissions. This is shown in a new study that explains the potential of superconducting highways for the transport turnaround - including in the promotion of hydrogen technologies.
Like a miniature fuel production plant, the leaf produces bio-ethanol and -propanol from light, water and CO2. Applied on a larger scale, this could be an interesting solution for the climate-neutral production of synthetic fuels - and thus represent a further step away from fossil fuels.
The Earth's ecosystem is a play of complex interrelationships in which humans, plants and animals can contribute to the preservation of the planet in terms of climate protection. According to new findings, even penguins, as a crucial part of the South Pole ecosystem, contribute to the fight against climate change. They support the carbon cycle and air pollutant sequestration.
Breathing fine dust is dangerous - with long-term health consequences that can plague those affected for a long time. Studies now reveal how particulate matter can lead to lung cancer and dementia. Is it time for stricter limits - in the interest of health and the environment?
E-fuels are increasingly being considered in the context of the transport transition - for example, as part of the strategy to make the internal combustion engines still in circulation after 2035 more sustainable. But what impact do they actually have on air quality and climate? And what would their approach mean for the environment and climate-protecting transport measures after the end of the combustion engine?
A study brings alarming results and shows that most diesel vehicles actually conceal their actual emissions through defeat devices. Up to 150 car models from different manufacturers could be affected. How will the authorities act? Will more diesel driving bans and environmental zones be introduced?
