Publication
When comparing different transport policies, the focus typically lies on their impact on CO₂ emissions, while their effects on health and other externalities are less understood. Our new study takes an integrated look at three strategies for transforming transport: lifestyle changes (LSCs), electrification, and efficiency improvements. Each climate mitigation strategy
When comparing different transport policies, the focus typically lies on their impact on CO₂ emissions, while their effects on health and other externalities are less understood. Our new study takes an integrated look at three strategies for transforming transport: lifestyle changes (LSCs), electrification, and efficiency improvements. Each climate mitigation strategy delivers major climate benefits, with electrification having, by far, the biggest impact on CO₂ emissions. However, lifestyle changes—like shifting to active and shared mobility— are among the fastest at reducing emissions, help in hard-to-electrify sectors, and offer the biggest health benefits. For a European reference scenario, LSCs could deliver €70 billion in annual benefits by 2050, cutting harmful transport impacts by 30% and boosting the health benefits of active mobility by 50%. Our findings suggest that policymakers should combine rapid electrification with strong support for sustainable mobility habits to tackle climate change while also maximizing co-benefits.
J. Muessel, R. Pietzcker, J. Hoppe, P. Verpoort, D. Klein, Gunnar Luderer (2025), “An integrated modeling perspective on climate change mitigation and co-benefits in the transport sector”, Environ. Res. Lett., Vol. 20, Article 094011