Mobility and its climate impact

Shifting economic pressures and cultural preferences in city building and urban mobility occur within the context of climate policy and the need to decarbonise all sectors of society.

This infographic adapted from Institute for Sensible Transport, shows the relative carbon emissions and space requirements of different modes of urban transport before the large-scale conversion of energy grids towards renewable sources that is underway in most jurisdictions (using Victoria, Australia as a reference).

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Image by Reality Learning, adapted from Institute for Sensible Transport

While all modes of transport have the potential to become carbon-neutral by converting vehicles to electric or battery-electric propulsion (using renewable energy), reducing the consumption of road space relative to the movement of people also requires a shift of transport tasks from cars to public transport, walking and cycling. This is particularly salient in the context of urban intensification that puts all space in cities at a greater premium.

Further reading

If you would like to explore some of the concepts we have covered in more detail, the following resources are optional.

Climate Mobility Impacts

Impacts of Mobility on the Environment

Climate Change and Human Mobility