Abstract
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has become the global blueprint for sustainable development. Sustainable development is supposed to change functioning of societies and economies in order to minimize negative ecological effects, at the same time providing for the needs of present and future generations. Due to its functions, transport is indispensable for meeting these needs, but it also generates demand for energy resources and has a negative impact on the environment. Appropriate shaping of transport systems is, therefore, an important element of the transformation of economies towards sustainable development and thus a key task for government policy. Rail is among the most energy efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers. The aim of this article is to assess the development of rail passenger transport in European Union countries on the basis of statistical data in the context of the need to transform mobility systems in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The analysis of the data shows that the development of rail transport is low compared to road and air transport, which raises questions about the reasons for this fact and the further measures needed.
Highlights
The 6th report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in August 2021, leaves no doubt - civilization is in a situation of urgent need to combat climate change through rapid and deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming
This report included the postulate of sustainable development, which is about meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (UN, 1987, p.54)
In 2010, high speed railway lines have been constructed on the territory of the 7 EU Member States, and at the end of year had a total length of 8268 km
Summary
The 6th report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in August 2021, leaves no doubt - civilization is in a situation of urgent need to combat climate change through rapid and deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming This requires radical changes in the principles of functioning of economies and societies. States were able to agree on common solutions, which, among other things, constituted agreements for future environmental and development cooperation Already in these first documents the important role of transport and the consequences of its development for the environment were pointed out. Transport has a negative impact on the environment, contributing to climate change and global warming These include greenhouse gas emissions, air, noise and water pollution, and accidents, road crashes and congestion. Underlining the importance of this form of transport for future sustainable development, the European Commission has declared 2021 to be the European Year of Rail
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