Self-driving cars emerge from the sci-fi realm

Automated-driving technologies are advancing steadily with the promise of reducing road accidents. By  TOM CASSAUWERS It’s an ordinary day in the northern German city of Hamburg, where countless cars move along the streets and pedestrians cross at the intersections. Amid all the hustle and bustle, one vehicle advances without the driver’s hands on the steering wheel … Read more

Airports and harbours prepare to slash emissions as the greening of transport accelerates

Ports for planes and ships are gearing up for the era of sustainable fuels and renewable energy. By  MICHAEL ALLAN If the European Union is to meet its net-zero targets and become a climate-neutral economy by 2050, the transport industry needs to decarbonise – and quickly. International aviation and maritime transport could account for almost 40% of greenhouse … Read more

Ramping up renewables to power the clean future of inland shipping

Hydrogen and battery-powered barges, tugs, container ships and ferries for inland waterways will help lower emissions from shipping. By  MICHAEL ALLEN Compared to other industries, such as agriculture or energy, transport is the only sector with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions higher now than in 1990. Sending out around 3% of the world’s GHG emissions, the maritime … Read more

Reducing noise pollution with acoustic walls and rubberised roads

Sound-diffracting walls and rubberised asphalt ingredients tackle the major environmental concern of noise pollution from traffic. By  TOM CASSAUWERS In cities across the European Union, noise is a significant health hazard along with air pollution. Efforts are under way to reduce a major source of both: traffic. Noise is the number-two environmental source of health troubles, … Read more

European cities team up to expand clean energy, cut fossil fuels

European cities have joined forces to find quicker ways of promoting clean energy and curbing fossil fuels, advancing climate goals made more urgent by Russia’s war in Ukraine. BY ALEX WHITING Cities are central to the battle against global warming – they consume two-thirds of global energy and account for more than 70% of the world’s … Read more

Emissions-free sailing is full steam ahead for ocean-going shipping

It’s full steam ahead for the European shipping industry as a new wave of clean-energy tech is set to throw greenhouse-gas emissions overboard. BY ANTHONY KING Shipping, while essential for trade, contributes significantly to the emissions that cause climate change. Global shipping spews out 3% of worldwide greenhouse gases (GHG). With the maritime industry responsible … Read more