Kick the Habit: A UN Guide to Climate Neutrality

the journeys we undertake really do make us happier? When travel is really contributing to our lives, we can at any rate choose the least GHG-intensive form of transport available – preferably bike or foot, or public transport rather than private. We can also aim to be as sociable as possible when on the move. Cars with only a driver on board make very little sense, and the more passengers you can find the smaller each of your climate footprints Websites where people announce where they are going and when, offering a lift to those with the same destination, have become very popular over the last few years in many places. In Germany and its neighbours the system is quite successful, and apart from providing a cheap ride between almost all medium-sized towns (for about €5 per 100 kilometre) it is a social meeting-point and a bit of an adventure for those who like it. Some of the most popular sites are www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de (Germany, Aus- tria, Switzerland); www.easycovoiturage.com (France); www.rideabout.com.au (Australia); www.rideshare-directory.com (United States). will be. Set concrete goals to reduce your travel. Just as a limited calorie in- take is sensible for any diet, after analysing your travelling habits and extent (see Count & Analyse) you can set a limit on how much you travel and by what means. Reducing it will have a significant effect on your costs.

CO 2 emissions from selected German transportation means CO 2 emissions from selected German transportation means

The results depend a lot on the occupancy rates (in pink, the average German rates used here). Better results can be obtained for metro, tram and train if more people are using them (better network and schedules, accessibility, affordability and competitiveness compared to cars). The results depend a lot on the occupancy rates (in pink, the average German rates used here). Better results can b obtained for metro, tram and train if more people are using them (better network and schedules, accessibility, affordability and competitiveness compared to cars).

Bus (long distance) Bus (long distance)

Grams of CO 2 per passenger and per kilometre The squares are proportional to CO 2 emissions. Grams of CO 2 per passenger and per kilometre 370 100 150 50 30 The squares are proportional to CO 2 emissions. 370 100 150

60% 60%

Train (long distance) Train (long distance)

44% 44%

50

30

Metro Metro

Tram Tram

Bus (short distance) Bus (short distance)

Plane Plane

20% 20%

20% 20%

21% 21%

Car Car

Train (short distance) Train (short distance)

1,5 passenger per car 1,5 passenger per car

73% 73%

21% 21%

Source: Gunnar Gohlisch, Umweltbundesamt (German Federal Environmental Agency), 2005. Source: Gunnar Gohlisch, Umweltbundesamt (German Federal Environmental Agency), 2005.

THE CYCLE – REDUCE KICK THE HABIT

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