Environmental Protection - Sustainable Development - Transport: Chronology of the Approach and Political-Strategic Framework

Abstract

Since the need for movement/transport has conditioned the development of transport networks, the management of the transport infrastructure largely depends on the guidelines or the policies for the development and management of transport. However, although there were concerns about the impact on the environment in the past five decades, it was only in the early 21st century that the effects of transport on the environment were adequately evaluated through the formulation of transport policies. It is important that a global consensus has been reached on the fact that the impacts of transport infrastructure and transport on the environment are essential. Still, it is far more important for the policies of protecting and improving the environment not to conflict with economic competitiveness so that properly formulated regulation could lead to discoveries and improvements, which would result in a win-win situation for both the public and the manufacturers and the improvement of the credibility of competent institutions and organisations in particular. Through a chronological summary of the transformation, this paper moves from the basic environmental protection toward sustainable development in global and European frameworks, and it emphasises the essential aspects that must be addressed in defining a political and strategic framework for the management of transport infrastructure and transport in underdeveloped and developing countries to meet the requirements for sustainable development.

Impact of Transport Trends on Sustainability in the Western Balkans: A Future-Oriented Business Sector Perspective

“…It enables the smooth movement of people, goods, and services and plays a central role in global networking and economic growth [1,2]. However, its significant impact on the environment, characterised by pollution, accidents, and congestion, is a growing concern [3]. These negative impacts are exacerbated by the sector's vulnerability to unpredictable global events such as pandemics, economic recessions, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating energy prices [4,5].…”