What are railway companies doing to fight climate change?
The European railway sector may be a small player in the transport world, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways they can and will improve! As we wrote above, they've been decreasing their emissions for years already.
The bigger goals they're wanting to reach with all their improvements are:
Compared to 1990, the European Railways will have reduced the specific average CO2 emissions* from train operations by 50% in 2030, with the ultimate goal to provide society with carbon free train travel in 2050.
There are also goals to become more energy efficient and reduce the total exhaust emissions of Nitrogen Oxides and Particulate Matter. And what's great is that they are actually well on their way in reaching their goals!
You can read more about the sustainable mobility strategy on the websites of the CER and the UIC. For more information about a railway you can visit the website of the railway company that has your interest.
*Specific CO2 emissions are defined as emissions of CO2 per transport unit (passenger-km or tonne-km), specified by mode (road, rail, inland, maritime, air)