In this study, in collaboration with the economic research institute Prognos, we investigated how the economic costs and investment requirements in Germany's transportsector might develop over the next twenty years – paying particular attention to the implications of the transformation to climate neutrality. We have summarised the most important findings in this report; the fullscientific research and analysis on which it is based canbe found in the Prognos expert report.
The overall conclusion is promising: Germany's transport sector can already contribute its fair share toclimate protection over the next few years – without any reduction in mobility and without additional costs when compared to a scenario in which no additional climate protection measures are taken. Following increased initial investment expenditure, an ambitious climate protection policy can lead to overall economic savings afterjust a few years, even if only the direct costs of climate damage are taken into account from among the various externalities. However, in order to realise this added value, policymakers must act quickly and decisively. Political hesitancy has a price. The price can be measured either in money or in greenhouse gases, with all their associated risks. Greater investment in the future is needed initially, but not more money in total. Above all,more political will is required.
