European Mobility Atlas 2021 | European freight transport and green logistics
Channel: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
Date: 2021-10-25

More info: https://calendar.boell.de/en/green-logistics
A number of challenges impedes scaling up green logistics and sustainable forms of freight transport: road transport continues to have the largest share of EU freight transport performance among the three inland transport modes. Global supply chains for the transport of goods rely heavily on the shipping sector, which has cost efficiency and scale advantages, but also entails substantial negative climate impact due to its tremendous greenhouse gas emissions. Zero carbon shipping is still in its infancy. On the other hand, an increase of rail freight transport would clearly help to decarbonise the transport sector and combat climate change, but high costs and infrastructure challenges remain barriers for more decisive steps.
At the same time, the rising dominance of online services for goods – exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic – has hugely affected the way urban logistics are organised. This is part of larger equity challenges, such as fair conditions for delivery companies’ staff. Sustainable modes of freight transport in cities, for instance with the use of cargo bikes, exist, but are underrepresented.
During this event, we will discuss challenges for European freight transport, options for zero carbon shipping and specific development of urban logistics.