Active travel: a climate change mitigation strategy with co-benefits for health.
Reducing the burning of fossil fuels for transport will help reduce the rate of climate change and the severity of the impact of climate change. The alternatives to private motor vehicles include active travel modes such as walking, cycling and use of public transport. While simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions and traffic congestion, active transport leads to increased levels of physical activity and social interaction. This article summarises a number of NSW active travel initiatives. Despite some positive steps in NSW, other Australian states have invested far more and can demonstrate greater changes in travel behaviour.
Rissel
Chris E
CE
Health Promotion Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service School of Public Health, University of Sydney. criss@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001272:Atmosphere; D001315:Australia; D001642:Bicycling; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009043:Motor Activity; D009517:New South Wales; D017150:Public Sector; D014186:Transportation; D016138:Walking
D002245:Carbon Dioxide