In conversation with myclimate, Katja Diehl demonstrated what transformation in the mobility sector could look like. Alongside ecological aspects, she also addressed societal, social and gender-specific issues. To effect a change in the mobility sector, Katja Diehl believes we must develop new narratives, as opposed to simply implementing marginal changes. According to Katja Diehl, the blueprint for a new type of mobility exists, in addition to solutions for associated issues. Nevertheless, these are often not well thought out or utilised to their full potential. For this reason, Katja Diehl stresses it is important to develop new visions. Visions of a new type of mobility in which people increasingly take centre stage and less focus is given to cars and private transport. Katja Diehl envisages a new form of mobility, in which children and disadvantaged people are considered and not neglected. A new spatial equality, which affords cars less space than before. A new type of mobility, which is less dominated by men and which innovative women can help to shape. In order to design this kind of mobility we must do away with silo thinking and adopt a more holistic approach, in line with the credo: “less traffic”, without having a detrimental effect on the opportunities presented by mobility.
A change in in the type of drive is not a change in transportation
Katja Diehl also addresses the developments in the “e-mobility” and “mobility as a service” sectors. According to Diehl, the switch to electric-powered and ecological cars is not sufficient on on its own. What is important is a transformation to integrative local and national transport with fewer cars per capita and a stronger “sharing economy”. Not only do we require a technological transformation, we also require a change in mobility behaviour. But how can we alter habits and behaviour? Here, alongside various individual changes to behaviour, the expert suggests effective regulators, pricing mechanisms (e.g. increasing the cost and reducing the provision of parking spaces, implementing bonus/penalty systems) and effective prohibitions. Such a comprehensive redesign of the public space would clearly lead to a reduction in cars.
The myclimate foundation is also working closely with exciting partners in the mobility sector and in so doing is pushing forward new and exciting developments in this area. For example, with Mobility, the car sharing cooperative which aims to be climate neutral by 2050, alongside developing a more climate-friendly fleet and carvelo2go, a young model company which is promoting sustainable and emission-free mobility and transport logistics in the urban space using rented cargo bikes.
Katja Diehl works as an independent business and communications consultant. She has a professional background in journalism and as a press officer in addition to expertise in managerial positions at corporations within the logistics and mobility sectors. Based on 20 years of insight into mobility and logistics, Katja Diehl wants to put her “heart and mind” into advancing and shaping sustainable change in these and other sectors. Katja Diehl is a popular speaker and influencer. She moderates events and leads a broad variety of workshops.
Listen to the whole Talk on Youtube here