Mobility & Sustainability

Mobility plays a central role in many societies and is frequently viewed as an expression of quality of life. But our mobility also devours finite resources on a massive scale, produces emissions that are harmful to the climate, and negatively impacts air quality and human health. The Science Platform Sustainability 2030 approaches mobility as a central issue for future sustainable development.

Results

The working group has completed their work and published several papers (available in German only).

Download:

Input for State Secretaries’ Committee   Report Trialog

 

Retrospect on the working group’s work:

Topic

Mobility, sustainability and the role of science

Personal transport is just one part of the mobility puzzle. Many everyday items also travel long distances to reach us, including our food, clothing, appliances and much more. All this comes at a cost. In Germany alone, transportation accounts for around 20 % of all carbon emissions.

Mobility is already a crucial factor for sustainable global development, and as the global population soars and societies become increasingly mobile, its impact will continue to grow.

Setting aside the environmental impacts of mobility, there are also social and economic aspects at stake here: mobility is increasingly a key factor in social development and equality. And, in Germany for example, it is also an engine for economic growth.

Social, economic and political factors present enormous challenges to efforts to shape sustainable mobility. The diverging and often contrary interests at play mean that this field is often fraught with conflict.

The scientific community and the Science Platform Sustainability 2030 play an important role within this complex field by providing orientation knowledge, fostering transdisciplinary dialogue, and developing critical perspectives in support of sustainable development.

 

Working Group

Tackling the challenge of sustainable mobility

The working group is examining existing science-based scenarios for sustainable mobility transitions within and – at the international level – with the support of Germany, and is discussing these potential solutions with actors from various sectors of society.

Building on their initial analysis, the working group will develop two scenarios for the promotion of sustainable mobility. The first of these is a so-called incremental scenario designed to deliver step-by-step change. The second is a transformative scenario aimed at delivering profound and comprehensive change, with a focus on societal, economic and political factors and spanning a variety of issues – from lifestyles to the organisation of urban spaces and the international division of labour. These scenarios will provide the German Government with actionable policy guidance and stimulate further research on sustainable mobility.

Processes and dialogues for shaping sustainable mobility

The findings of the Science Platform stimulate further research and contribute to a variety of political processes for the implementation of the German Strategy for Sustainable Development and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Participation

Who can participate and how?

The Science Platform is open to interested parties from science and society wishing to contribute to our work or participate in our forums for dialogue and transdisciplinary events in particular. To learn more, please contact the secretariat.

 

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