Scientific Support
for EKM
Initial Situation
The Federal Republic of Germany, under the Federal Climate Protection Act (KSG) and in the context of European and international agreements, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible to limit global warming to well below 2 °C, and ideally to 1.5 °C, compared to pre-industrial levels. By 2045, according to § 3 para. 2 KSG, Germany aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Against this backdrop, consistent action is required at all levels to ensure effective climate protection.
This requirement applies particularly to the transport and mobility sector. Compared, for example, to the energy sector, the transport sector remains far from achieving its targets. In 2024, its emissions amounted to approximately 143.1 million t CO₂-equivalent, around 18 million t above its target. Greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector must be reduced to around 85 million t CO₂ by 2030.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has therefore convened the Expert Advisory Board on Climate Protection in Mobility (EKM). Its role is to advise the federal government on the joint path toward climate-friendly, sustainable, and affordable mobility for all. Within its work, the EKM evaluates climate protection instruments in the transport sector and recommends them for implementation.
Task
The EKM is supported in its work by a scientific advisory team. PTV Transport Consult GmbH is part of this scientific support and conducts its own analyses on the background and specific issues addressed by the EKM.
Approach
As part of their work, the scientific advisory team produces background papers that examine potential instruments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector with respect to their effects. These papers can serve the EKM as an additional information source when developing recommendations, referred to as “Policy Papers.” The scientific advisory team also contributes to the preparation of the Policy Papers by providing expert guidance during EKM discussions and drafting text contributions for the papers.
Results
The EKM, supported by the scientific advisory team, has developed three Policy Papers to date, for example on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the existing passenger car fleet. In addition, several background papers produced by the scientific advisory team are available, addressing instruments such as measures to shift passenger transport toward low-emission mobility options. Both the Policy Papers and background papers can support policymakers and public administration in making informed decisions on sustainable instruments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.