Carbon Footprints of Active and Non-Active Transport Modes: Hierarchy and Intergenerational Narrative Analyses

Nestor Asiamah (), Kofi Awuviry-Newton, Whitney Nesser and Evelyn N. Alvarez
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Nestor Asiamah: Division of Interdisciplinary Research and Practice, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Kofi Awuviry-Newton: College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
Whitney Nesser: Department of Applied Clinical and Educational Sciences, Indiana State University, 401 North Seventh Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
Evelyn N. Alvarez: Department of Public Health, California State University, 5151 State University Drive, ST 305, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: This paper aimed to (1) develop a hierarchy for understanding the impacts of active and non-active transport modes on the environment and (2) analyse the adoption of active transportation between older and younger people. A narrative review with two parts was adopted to develop the hierarchy. In the first part, a framework was adopted to map active and non-active transport modes onto three operational boundaries of greenhouse gas emission to develop the hierarchy. In the second part, an intergenerational theoretical framework was developed to analyse the adoption of active transportation between older and younger people. The review suggests that the only active transport modes with no or negligible carbon footprint are walking, running, and swimming without a product that adds to atmospheric greenhouse gases. The evidence that younger people perform higher active transportation behaviour is inconsistent and is, therefore, inconclusive. This review suggests a need for manufacturers to prioritise the production of active vehicles (e.g., wheelchairs and scooters) that are biodegradable, recyclable, and small.

Keywords: carbon footprint; active transportation; older adults; generations; health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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