Transport
Actions in the transport sector can improve air quality, reduce injuries and improve health through increased physical activity.
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Actions implemented in the transport sector include a range of incentives (e.g. free bus passes and cycle maps), improved infrastructure (e.g. cycle lanes) and sanctions (e.g. taxation, congestion charges, and restrictions) (1). Systemic changes that combine increased use of public transport and active travel (walking and cycling) with reduced private car use are needed to achieve major benefits for climate and health.
Although electric cars powered by electricity from renewables contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, they do not bring health benefits from increased physical activity or reduce road danger for pedestrians and cyclists.
In the Pathfinder review, actions in the transport sector had modest climate and health impacts, with the largest benefits from actions that involved promotion of active travel and public transport.
Bike lanes and people cycling and walking in a city
Data from the Umbrella Review
Climate and human health impacts of mitigation action in the Transportation sector. Hover on a point to obtain it's country and solution and to isolate the same solutions. Different shaped points indicate different levels of country income, according to the World Bank classifications: 'circle' = HIC; 'triangle' = UMIC; 'diamond' = LMIC.
References:
1) Hulkkonen M, Mielonen T, Prisle NL. The atmospheric impacts of initiatives advancing shifts towards low-emission mobility: a scoping review. Sci Total Environ 2020; 713: 136133.