TRANSPORT
32 % direct emissions in Switzerland
Towards a climate-friendly future with public transport and bicycles
Photo: Adobe Stock
The transport sector is the fastest growing source of emissions in the world. Although air transport is more frequently discussed, road transport is the main contributor to global transport-related greenhouse gas emissions.
The number of registered vehicles is increasing worldwide (e.g., Switzerland 2024: 7.05 million vehicles, +0.9% compared to the previous year). This requires the manufacture of vehicles and the construction of infrastructure such as roads. As a result, transport-related emissions continue to rise, despite technical advances in engines and the introduction of electric vehicles.
WHAT DOES NET ZERO LOOK LIKE IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR?
- All vehicles used for private and business travel are low-emission, i.e., powered by electricity or an alternative fuel (e.g., biogas).
- All vehicles are more efficient and therefore require less energy. They are lighter, smaller and still safe, but place less strain on infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
- Batteries for electric vehicles are manufactured and recycled under fair, environmentally friendly conditions – to protect people and the environment in the regions affected by mining, production and recycling.
- Alternative fuels such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or solar fuels are used in air transport.
- Low-emission vehicles are accessible to all income groups and the necessary infrastructure (e.g., charging stations) is available.
- Cities promote low-emission transport such as electric public transport, cycling and walking.
NECESSARY SOCIAL AND POLITICAL MEASURES
- Climate-friendly mobility is promoted by the state, e.g., through the expansion of public transport.
- Electric mobility is promoted (using electricity from renewable sources).
- Emissions from vehicles and transport infrastructure are taxed according to the polluter pays principle, e.g., via fuel taxes.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR SOCIETY
- Individual transport without private cars means more space in the city for people and less noise.
- Fewer emissions from fuel combustion means cleaner air, as less nitrogen and sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, etc. are produced.
- Getting around using human muscle power (on foot or on wheels) promotes good health.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?
- Travel in an environmentally friendly way: use your bicycle or public transport for local travel whenever possible, reduce long-distance journeys/flights and switch to electric mobility.
- Support efforts to reduce traffic in your living and working environment.
- Only fly when necessary: offset unavoidable flights by investing in innovative projects, e.g., the development of alternative fuels.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM VEHICLES
incl. manufacturing, maintenance, road infrastructure and disposal
all values in CO₂e pkm: CO₂ equivalents for transporting 1 person over 1 km
*lorries in CO₂e tkm: CO₂ equivalents for transporting 1 tonne over 1 km
Data: Mobitool v3.0 2023, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
IMPACT OF THE 2035 COMBUSTION ENGINE BAN
The ban on petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035, which was passed by the European Parliament, will also have an impact in Switzerland, as new cars sold in Switzerland mostly comply with EU regulations.
Photo: Adobe Stock
ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH HOME-GENERATED SOLAR POWER
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has discovered that there are no restrictions on the use of electric cars when they are charged with solar power from their own roofs. This is supported by intelligent control systems.
Photo: Adobe Stock
CAR SHARING
Switzerland is a pioneer in car sharing. The first cooperatives were founded as early as 1987. Car fleets are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles.
Photo: Glenn Michel (Wikimedia)
E-BIKE CITY
This project by ETH Zurich aims to create more space on roads for bicycles and public transport. It involves planning lanes for different speeds (e.g., bicycles and e-bikes) so that roads can be used efficiently.
Photo: Nightnurse & Sodafilm (ETH Zurich)
BIKE TO WORK
This annual company competition is considered Switzerland’s largest cycling and health promotion campaign. The aim is to cycle to work with colleagues in May and June. Many participants continue to use their bikes more often for their commute afterwards.
Photo: Adobe Stock