Active mobility reduces pollution and consolidates social relations

Worldwide, many revolutionary ideas have been launched when it comes to transport. Several programs and projects have been developed, which analyse the influence of this sector on the environment, on pollution and health. Many activities have been and continue to be implemented in order to reduce transport emissions. However, the level of pollution in urban areas hasn’t been significantly reduced. In the context in which transport emissions have increased globally by 17% during 2000-2008, the European Union calls on the drastic reduction of emissions in order to limit climate changes to less than 2°C. This supposes a reduction of 80-95% by 2050, compared to 1990. According to EU studies, by 2050 the transport sector should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60%. Meanwhile, other economic sectors have recorded significant reductions.

Generally, people have access to more jobs and opportunities due to modern transport systems. However, they rely less on walking or bicycle transport, and this could significantly increase health issues. In our current society, the demand for environmental quality is constantly increasing. However, the decisions on mobility often come in contradiction with the current situation. Urban areas have the highest potential in terms of reducing the level of pollution, by actively promoting active mobility and by choosing to live in a clean environment.
Transforming the transport sector from a source of pollution into a segment which helps reduce emissions could be done by determining the citizens to use public transportation which, if modernised and improved with eco-efficient systems, will increase the quality of life. One such example is Copenhagen: 50% of its inhabitants use bicycle transport, 13% resort to walking, 13% use public transportation and 24% use individual transport. “In the last 40 years, by constantly developing the infrastructure in order to facilitate bicycle transport and walking, most citizens have begun to use this example for a clean mobility. I can safely say that 70% of those who use bicycle transport have come to use it even in the winter. This is important not only in terms of mobility, but also to consolidate social relations. We move in the same space and we manage to create a new environment”, said Helle Søholt, Founding Partner and Managing Director, Gehl Architects (Denmark), during the ITF summit.
Active mobility is one of the most important activities with the help of which the citizens of a country or region can contribute to a better quality of the environment and health. “We have to implement an active mobility for a less polluted environment and for better health. We cannot have a passive mobility by using just eco-friendly vehicles. The environment, the society and mobility are key elements of our life and one cannot exist without the other”, said Jean-François Toussaint, Director of the Institute for Biomedical Research and Sports Epidemiological (France).

by Pamela Luică


Share on:
Facebooktwitterlinkedinmail

 

RECOMMENDED EVENT: