Sustainable transportation is a key pillar in the global fight against climate change. As countries strive to reduce carbon emissions, the freight transport sector remains one of the most challenging areas to decarbonise. Tackling this issue requires innovative solutions, supportive policy frameworks, and robust cross-border collaboration. Young professionals and future leaders have a crucial role to play in this effort, bringing fresh perspectives and fostering international dialogue on sustainable mobility. Against this backdrop, a dynamic exchange on sustainable freight transport and climate protection was convened at Beijing Transport University on 3 April 2025, bringing together over 100 Chinese students and German experts.
The event was organized in collaboration with the GIZ China projects Sino-German Cooperation on Decarbonising Freight Transport and the Sino-German Climate Partnership. It formed the fifth edition of the NextGen Climate Dialogues lecture series. The NextGen Climate Dialogues brings together high-level Chinese/German climate experts and students. It aims to foster dialogue on pressing climate challenges and to expose emerging academic leaders and practitioners to key thinkers, strategies, and concepts in the fight against climate change.
At Beijing Transport University, the event featured expert presentations by Dr. Martin Lange, Head of Section “Pollution Abatement and Energy Saving in Transport” at the German Federal Environment Agency and Dr. Urs Maier, Senior Associate for Freight Transport and Infrastructure at Agora Transport Transformation.
Dr. Lange provided insights into the International Transportation and Climate Protection Architecture. He discussed the rising freight traffic volumes in Germany and their environmental impacts, underscoring the urgent need for holistic solutions. In order to address the issues of GHG emissions, air and noise pollution, the focus should be on rail or electrified road transportation rather than air transport. His presentation outlined the legal frameworks shaping climate targets in both the European Union and Germany, and how these targets are being translated into practical policy instruments. Furthermore, he emphasized the implementation of specific measures aimed at promoting low-emission freight transport, particularly in the aviation and maritime sectors. Such measures at both the national and international level included a focus on e-fuels and the introduction of a kerosene tax by the EU. He also calls for greater international cooperation. Dr. Lange underscored that more ambitious actions are still required by both Germany and the EU to meet their climate commitments.
Dr. Urs Maier’s presentation focused on Measures and Instruments for Climate-friendly Freight Transport on Land. He analysed the current situation in Germany, identifying both the challenges and opportunities for achieving climate-neutral freight transport. One particularly promising avenue is the electrification of road freight through battery-powered trucks. Additionally, the decarbonisation of the sector could be significantly advanced by shifting freight from road to rail — though this would necessitate substantial investment in infrastructure. Dr. Maier also addressed the growing importance of sustainable urban freight. He proposed trip bundling for deliveries as a practical solution to reduce urban traffic, which could simultaneously lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution.
Following the expert presentations, students engaged in an interactive Q&A session. Their questions reflected a strong interest in real-world applications of sustainable transport policies. Topics included the organization of international freight transport across European borders — particularly considering varying national policies, electricity costs, and technological standards. In response, Dr. Lange and Dr. Maier emphasized ongoing EU efforts to harmonize standards and practices internationally, including unified systems for carbon foot printing and emissions accounting.
Another topic of interest was the potential use of drones for urban freight transport in Germany. The experts noted that while Germany is actively exploring this emerging field, several regulatory aspects — such as safety protocols and designated airspace — still need to be defined. They acknowledged that China is currently more advanced in drone-based freight systems, and the potential for Germany to learn from Chinese experiences in this area was highlighted.
The interactive format of the event encouraged lively discussions, allowing students to share their views, ask critical questions, and explore the broader context of sustainable transport. These exchanges underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing climate-related transport challenges. Furthermore, the importance of empowering the next generation of climate leaders to drive policy innovation and transformation was reaffirmed.
