Sustainable transport in the face of the energy crisis related to the war in Ukraine

Abstract

The energy crisis caused by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has had a huge impact on the functioning of many countries in various spheres. The Russian Federation was the main supplier of many raw materials, which had to be abandoned as a result of the sanctions that were imposed. Consequently, the prices of various commodities – primarily natural gas, crude oil and coal – have risen. This posed a particular challenge for Poland, which is highly dependent on coal. At the same time, Poland, being a Member State of the European Union, has committed to achieving the goals of climate neutrality and the related concept of sustainable transport. In this light, the author analysed the issue of striving for climate neutrality and sustainable transport in the conditions of the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. It seems appropriate, for instance, to determine whether the energy crisis has led to a collapse of the European Union’s climate policy and a change in its objectives. The process of the electrification of transportation, which, as a result of the current situation, may have become more challenging to implement, should also be considered.