Transport

Mobility is an important requirement for our economy and a basic human need. However, traffic creates many problems that harm people and the environment. In addition to CO₂ emissions and other climate-damaging greenhouse gases, traffic-related air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are a major health hazard. A comprehensive concept for sustainable mobility emphasises traffic avoidance and the shift of traffic to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. It includes the technical optimisation of drive systems and a switch to sustainable alternative fuels. An important pillar of sustainable mobility is eco-mobility with buses and trains as well as bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Traffic noise can increase risk of depression and anxiety disorders

View on rails with a suburban train, behind it city panorama

It has been known for a long time that constant noise can lead to cardiovascular diseases. A new study done on behalf of the German Environment Agency shows that incessant traffic noise can also increase the risk of depression. A 10-decibel increase in road, railroad and aircraft noise can raise that risk by up to four, five and eleven percent; the figure for anxiety disorder rises by three to 15 percent. UBA President Dirk Messner said, “Noise is still a grossly underestimated health risk in Germany. Many people are exposed to high levels of noise pollution which is impairing health and cutting quality of life. This is why making our cities quieter and thus more appealing is an important task for researchers and policymakers!” read more

The Umweltbundesamt

For our environment