Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Physical Inactivity: Is Active Transportation Part of the Solution?

Abstract

Active transportation is defined as self-propelled, human-powered transportation modes, such as walking and bicycling. In this article, we review the evidence that reliance on gasoline-powered transportation is contributing to global climate change, air pollution, and physical inactivity and that this is harmful to human health. Global climate change poses a major threat to human health and in the future could offset the health gains achieved over the last 100 yr. Based on hundreds of scientific studies, there is strong evidence that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to global climate change. Climate change is associated with increased severity of storms, flooding, rising sea levels, hotter climates, and drought, all leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Along with increases in atmospheric CO 2 , other pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter (e.g., PM 2.5 ) are released by combustion engines and industry, which can lead to pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Also, as car ownership and vehicle miles traveled have increased, the shift toward motorized transport has contributed to physical inactivity. Each of these global challenges has resulted in, or is projected to result in, millions of premature deaths each year. One of the ways that nations can mitigate the health consequences of climate change, air pollution, and chronic diseases is through the use of active transportation. Research indicates that populations that rely heavily on active transportation enjoy better health and increased longevity. In summary, active transportation has tremendous potential to simultaneously address three global public health challenges of the 21st century.

Determining thresholds for spatial urban design and transport features that support walking to create healthy and sustainable cities: findings from the IPEN Adult study

“…15 Since the 1970s, many countries, especially middle-income to high-income countries, have had sharp increases in fossil-fuel-dependent industrialisation, technological innovation, and urban sprawl, leading to substantial population shifts towards sedentary occupations, individualised motorised trans port, and motor vehicle dependency. 6,16 Unsurprisingly, these trends have led to declines in physical activity and increases in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, with emissions being the primary cause of climate change. 16 Because of widespread car ownership and carcentric urban design, people now frequently drive for short trips that could be walked or cycled.…”

“…6,16 Unsurprisingly, these trends have led to declines in physical activity and increases in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, with emissions being the primary cause of climate change. 16 Because of widespread car ownership and carcentric urban design, people now frequently drive for short trips that could be walked or cycled. 17,18 The recent increase in shared mobility services globally (eg, Uber or Lyft) has also decreased the short trips usually done by walking and cycling, and increased traffic congestion.…”

The ACSM American Fitness Index: Using Data to Identify Opportunities to Support Physical Activity

“…This includes having places to walk within a close proximity to home like parks and recreational facilities, walking and bicycling trails, and other free and low-cost places for physical activity (18,29). Adoption and enforcement of Complete Streets policies to provide connected sidewalks and protected bicycle lanes in addition to driving lanes not only enables residents to commute or recreate safely on foot or nonmotorized devices, but also results in more ecologically friendly transportation (30). The Fitness Index is a significant resource for researchers interested in studying associations between personal health indicators and community support for physical activity and policy decisions affecting overall population health.…”

Street Smart: Developing Relationships to Support Walkable Communities for All

“…Greater consideration is given to projects in areas with higher percentages of physically inactive people. Emphasis on the correlation between transportation projects and community health is another sign of the progress being made for collaboration between the transportation and health sectors (Alession et al, 2021).…”