When it comes to our daily mobility, many of us are faced with a choice: our own car or public transport? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but when it comes to climate action, it's important to know which choice has the lesser impact on our climate.

The car: comfortable, but harmful to the environment

For many of us, having our own car is a practical solution for getting from A to B quickly. It offers us flexibility and independence. However, private transportation is one of the biggest causes of pollution in our environment. Cars emit pollutants such as CO2 and thus contribute to global warming. They are also often associated with traffic jams and unnecessary consumption, which not only costs time but also uses up additional resources.

Another point is the high land consumption. Roads, parking lots and garages take up a lot of space that could be used for green spaces or other vital areas. The car is therefore not only a burden in terms of its use, but also in terms of its infrastructure.

Public transport: efficient and more environmentally friendly

Public transport such as buses, trains or subway trains offer a much more environmentally friendly alternative to the car. If you use the train or bus, there are many people traveling on one route - this means that the pollutants emitted per person are significantly lower. Especially with well-developed, electrically powered means of transportation, CO2 emissions are significantly lower than with a car.

Public transport also offers the advantage that you don't have to drive yourself. You can use the time wisely - whether you want to relax, work or simply enjoy the view. The stress often associated with driving is also eliminated. And last but not least, the cost of using public transport is usually significantly cheaper when you consider the expenses for gas, insurance and maintenance of a car.

The best compromise: combine

Of course, there are also situations in which a car can be practical and necessary, for example when traveling to remote areas without good public transport connections. But here, too, you can reduce the environmental impact by driving with others or using a car-sharing model.

The combination of car and public transport is often the best compromise: if you travel short distances by bus or train and use the car for longer journeys or in areas without good connections, you can significantly reduce your ecological footprint.

Conclusion

Choosing between car and public transport is not always easy, but if you are focused on climate action, using buses and trains is a clear recommendation. They are more efficient, cause fewer CO2 emissions and can help you to make your everyday life more sustainable. Every step counts - even the small decisions in your everyday life.