Active Travel’s Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation: Research Summary and Outlook

Abstract

Active travel (walking, cycling or scooting for transport) is considered a healthy and sustainable form of getting from A to B. The net effects of active travel on mobility-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are complex and remarkably under-researched across a wide range of settings. This paper seeks to provide a summary of research on active travel as a low carbon mobility option in the context of the climate emergency. Key gaps are identified and discussed. The paper concludes with a projection of future research.

Keywords

• CO2 emissions
• active travel
• walking
• cycling
• climate change mitigation
• review