US Climate and Health Alliance

Health co-benefits of climate change mitigation: transport sector

Abstract

Cycling, walking and rapid transit systems are associated with a wide range of potential health benefits that climate assessment needs to consider more systematically. Health benefits may include: physical activity from walking and cycling, which can help prevent heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and some obesity-related risks; lower urban air pollution concentrations; lower rates of traffic injury risks for users of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian networks; and less noise stress. Transport systems that prioritize active transport and rapid transit systems, along with better urban land use, also can help improve access for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and lower wage earners, enhancing health equity. This new WHO report, part of the Health in the Green Economy series, considers the evidence regarding health co-benefits, and risks, of climate change mitigation strategies for transport, as reviewed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007).

Resource Type
Report
Contributors
World Health Organization (WHO) Jamie Hosking Pierpaolo Mudu Carlos Dora
Resource URL
http://www.who.int/hia/green_economy/transport_sector_health_co-benefits_climate_change_mitigation/en/
Date
2011
Series Title
Health in the green economy
Short Title
Health in the green economy
Institution
World Health Organization
Organization Type
Other gov
Emission Source
Transportation
Solutions
Active transportation Fuel efficiency Low carbon fuels/biofuels
Region
International
Other
Co-benefits/co-harms

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