We are running out of time. In 2015, most nations signed the Paris Agreement and committed to reducing emissions to limit global warming below 2 degrees. In practical terms, this would mean that from 2015 onwards, global carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions should not exceed a cumulative total of roughly 800 gigatonnes (Gt)
1
.
According to its share in the world population, the EU has a remaining CO
2
-budget of 50 Gt. If we assume the same decarbonisation rate as for the entire energy sector, the European transport sector should be virtually greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-free by 2040. The EU has fixed various reduction goals
2
, yet even the most ambitious will fail to comply with the Paris Agreement.
In Europe, the transport sector accounted for 24% of GHG emissions in 2016
3
, in Switzerland even for 38%
4
. In both cases, this share keeps increasing and road transport is the dominant contributor (about three quarters), followed by aviation and maritime shipping
4,5
.
