2021 is the European Year of Rail in recognition of the key role trains play in efforts to strike climate neutrality by 2050. As well as reducing short-distance flights, regulators across the continent are also promoting night trains as a more sustainable form of travel. This summer, rail operators are re-launching services that had been halted and are investing in new routes and equipment across the continent. As part of its European Mobility Atlas 2021, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung has launched a series of webinars and forums to underscore the benefits of night trains as a climate solution and urge more action from Brussels and other capitals. Lead Blogger Michael Buchsbaum reviews recent European Night Train developments and interviews one of the two Atlas’ Chief Executive Editors and rail expert, Philipp Cerny. All aboard for climate protection According to figures from the European Commission (EC), transportation accounts for 25% of the European Union’s (EU) overall greenhouse gas emissions. Road travel contributes almost three-quarters of this, while aviation and marine transportation split most of the rest. By contrast, rail accounts … Continue reading Rolling Hotels: Climate friendly Night Trains return to European rail networks