A city like Munich can cut its CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent by mid-century. This is the result of the new study "Sustainable Urban Infrastructure: Munich - Paths towards a Carbon-Free Future". Commissioned by Siemens, the Wuppertal Institute examined how a modern metropolis like Munich can drastically reduce the amount of CO2 it emits. Using a specific model urban district, the analysis concretely demonstrates how the transformation to a virtually carbon-free metropolis can be accomplished in terms of infrastructure and technology. Key levers for cutting CO2 emissions are high-efficiency energy applications, in particular in buildings; infrastructure modifications in the areas of heating, electricity and transportation; and a transition to renewable and low carbon energy sources wherever possible. Today, 50 percent of the world's population lives in cities - a figure that is expected to climb to 60 percent by 2025. The respective energy use accounts for 75 percent of the total energy use and the respective greenhouse gas emissions account for 80 percent of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. That's why cities must lead the way when it comes to climate protection. The study also shows that transforming a city into a virtually carbon-free urban environment will be a major challenge - one that can only be mastered if achieving this aim is a top priority for all participants: decision makers, bureaucracies, utilities, urban planners and, particularly, investors and residents. Siemens AG issued a press release for the publishing of the study.
The study is available on the project page.