Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To reach the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global temperature rise to well under two degrees Celsius, greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut. Transport is among the largest emitters, with about half of its emissions originating from passenger car traffic. At the same time, people are not physically active enough. A modal shift from private car use to more active travel modes (cycling and walking) would simultaneously decrease traffic emissions and increase physical activity, leading to improved health and well-being. Thus, reducing transport emissions would not only mitigate climate change but also support public health. Achieving these co-benefits, however, requires transformative changes at both the individual and system levels. This requires closer cooperation between multiple stakeholders, including the transport sector, healthcare, and workplaces. A sustainable transport system prioritizes active mobility and public transport while reducing dependence on private cars. This workshop aims to explore current challenges in urban mobility and engage participants in interactive discussions on potential solutions informed by recent research. The objectives of this workshop are: 1) to quantify the potential emission reductions that could be achieved through a shift from car use to sustainable mobility in urban areas, and to determine the factors associated with reduced car commuting; and 2) to evaluate the net health benefits of active commuting (health benefits vs. health risks) in general, and a range of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) approaches to evaluate active mobility interventions. In addition, we provide examples of solutions for urban planners and other stakeholders on how to promote actions that have planetary co-benefits not only to the environment and public, but also the society at large. We propose four 10-minute presentations that leave time for interaction with the audience after each presentation. The presenters and chairs will be available for further discussions after the workshop. The added value of this workshop lies in its multidisciplinary approach stemming from problems related to environmental degradation and sub-optimal population health behaviors and health. Focusing on urban mobility, we aim to provide insights and solutions for urban and public health planners, and other stakeholders on co-beneficial measures, including nudges, and required structural changes. Viewpoints from Southern and Northern Europe are included providing relevant insights for a broad conference audience. The workshop is relevant for members of at least five EUPHA sections; Environment and Health, that is co-organising the session, Health impact assessment, Injury prevention and safety promotion, Public health epidemiology, and Urban public health. Key messages • Actions promoting sustainable mobility are simultaneously health actions. • Together, actors from health, environment and transport sectors need to promote co-beneficial actions for planetary health.
Author: Chair persons: Jaana Halonen (Finland), Marija Jevtic (EUPHA-ENV)
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101413605