Sure! Here’s the translation to American English:
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which focuses on “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,” highlights the urgent need to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure, as well as to promote inclusive industrialization. In this context, research and innovation become crucial tools to address current social, economic, and environmental challenges.
A significant indicator for assessing progress on this SDG is the proportion of freight transport conducted by rail and inland waterway infrastructure compared to total domestic transport in the European Union. However, since 2012, this proportion has been showing a notable downward trend. In 2023, a concerning decline was reported, reaching 21.9%, the lowest figure recorded to date. This decline represents a decrease of 4.6 percentage points from the historical peak of 26.5% achieved a decade ago. Consequently, road transport has seen an increase in its share by the same magnitude.
These statistics suggest a considerable transformation in freight transport in Europe, where the use of traditional infrastructure appears to be declining in favor of road transport. This evolution raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of the logistics system on the continent and the ability to meet development goals that prioritize more sustainable and efficient modes.
The future of transport in the European Union will largely depend on its capacity to adapt and develop innovative solutions that promote the use of alternatives such as rail and waterways. These options are essential for reducing the carbon footprint of the sector and contributing to more sustainable growth in the long term.
via: MiMub in Spanish
