Worth noting that it's still a struggle because of competing interests. For instance in Germany the auto industry and its lobby is strong enough to succeed in keeping freeways toll free, whereas the German Railways infrastructure part was split out into a company called DB Netz. So when you buy a ticket the cost of using the railway infrastructure is included in the price. Also other things, but not relevant for this discussion.
So yes the railway is a lot better in Europe and the rest of the world than the US, but it's almost always a question of politics and interests of different groups. I also think it's poor framing to say people do it because of climate change - I do it because it's the best way to travel. During early corona time I went with a car on a typical 2-3 hour trip I usually take and it was just horrible in comparison. In the one case you can sit in comfortable seats, walk around, get something to drink an eat, and in the other you are usually stuck in a cramped seat, can't get out and can only take a break on a gas station or a similar place.
So yes the railway is a lot better in Europe and the rest of the world than the US, but it's almost always a question of politics and interests of different groups. I also think it's poor framing to say people do it because of climate change - I do it because it's the best way to travel. During early corona time I went with a car on a typical 2-3 hour trip I usually take and it was just horrible in comparison. In the one case you can sit in comfortable seats, walk around, get something to drink an eat, and in the other you are usually stuck in a cramped seat, can't get out and can only take a break on a gas station or a similar place.