What is the most eco friendly transport i believe
What is the most eco friendly transport i believe
The Most—and Least—Ecofriendly Ways to Travel
What type of transportation should you take if you want to leave the smallest carbon footprint? The answer is not that simple.
Being a greener traveler isn’t as simple as swapping one mode of transport for another.
Photo by misign/Shutterstock
The flight shame movement has taken off on the basis that flying is terrible for the environment. But for those who want to do better by planet Earth and reduce their climate change–inducing carbon footprint, simply reducing their reliance on air travel will only address one small slice of the problem.
In the United States, the overall transportation sector is the biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2017 (the most recent year for which data is currently available), transportation accounted for 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, followed by electricity at 28 percent, and industry at 22 percent.
Within the transportation sector, road vehicles are actually the biggest culprit, accounting for a whopping 82 percent of those emissions, with aircraft accounting for 9 percent, and rail for 2 percent (ships, boats, and other forms of transportation account for 7 percent combined), according to the EPA.
It’s a similar story on the global front. In the European Union, road transport accounted for 72 percent of transportation-related CO2 emissions in 2016, according to a report released by the European Parliament this year. The next largest contributor was water transport (boats and ships), at 13.6 percent, followed by air travel at 13.4 percent. Rail only contributed 0.5 percent.
When in doubt, take a train
So, why does air travel get such a bad rap? Well, that’s because when you look at the emissions attributable to an individual passenger traveling by car versus rail versus air, air travel does pretty miserably. For instance, according to the site EcoPassenger, which calculates per-passenger carbon emissions between destinations in Europe, for a person traveling from London to Paris during a popular travel time (so when trains and planes are likely to be more full and thus more efficient), the CO2 output would be 122 kilograms if that person flew, versus 48 kilograms if he or she drove or 15 kilograms by train.
And if you’re wondering where cruise ships fall into the lineup, they don’t have a strong track record either. The International Council on Clean Transportation recently concluded that even the most efficient cruise ships emit between three and four times more CO2 per passenger, per kilometer than an airplane.
Rail travel, however, is consistently one of the lowest emitters. It’s not surprising that the flygskam or “flight shame” movement inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has put the emphasis on converting air travel to much less impactful rail journeys.
In short, if you opt to take a train versus a plane, your carbon output for that journey will likely be quite a bit lower. But that’s definitely not as easily done in the United States, which as the fourth largest country in the world has huge expanses to cross, and where the rail system is notoriously behind in sophistication and scope compared to its international counterparts, including the high-speed rail networks of Europe.
The environmental cost of driving
Additionally, if you opt out of a flight and choose to drive instead, you are joining the masses on the road to be part of what is in fact the biggest overall contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. A lot more people drive in this world than fly. The aviation industry accounts for about 2 percent of global carbon emissions, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. So that means that if everyone were to stop flying, just 2 percent of the problem would be solved.
Focus on greener vehicles
While some people might be craving a simple, impactful solution to reducing their travel carbon footprint—and sure, making a statement by not flying, for instance, is certainly significant—the reality is that for those who want to make a lasting and longer-term difference, a more thoughtful approach to transportation decisions will be needed.
According to David Reichmuth, Ph.D., a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Clean Vehicles Program, for travelers looking to reduce their impact, they should be thinking about several factors.
“There’s a lot we can do to make [transportation] cleaner and have fewer emissions. So, for passenger vehicles, having both more efficient gasoline vehicles but then also switching entirely from petroleum to electricity allows for reducing both tailpipe emissions and climate-changing emissions,” said Reichmuth.
Reichmuth added that concerned travelers should be thinking about greener vehicles, whether that is their own cars (which he argues is where the biggest impact could be made within a given household) or by being more informed about how efficient their aircraft, bus, or train is. Even within rail travel, for instance, there is a wide range of emissions output depending on the types of trains—diesel trains are typically more polluting than electric trains, and some electric trains are less efficient than others. He also said travelers should think about avoiding vehicle use when possible by walking or biking and should consider taking greater advantage of public transit opportunities and carpooling.
One way to be more informed about each mode of travel is to calculate and compare the carbon emissions output of a given trip. Thankfully, there are numerous, free, online calculators that help travelers do this now. The International Civil Aviation Organization, which is part of the United Nations, has a version for air travel that is intended for use in buying carbon offsets. The site offCents, meanwhile, allows users to calculate emissions for their rail, car, or airplane travel, with the aim of recommending corresponding offset programs, which users can contribute toward to offset their journeys.
Flex those influence muscles
Ultimately, the biggest factors impacting emissions related to travel are decisions that are made at the policy level—regulations that dictate what kind of emissions standards manufacturers must abide by.
Travelers who want to see their journey truly become greener should speak up. The airline industry is beginning to take notice of growing concerns about climate change and has begun to make some serious strides when it comes to scaling back on emissions, as well as offsetting them (they are also being required to do so by national and international regulations that have been put into place).
“To the extent that you can, take an active role in advocating for these policy actions. That can be at the local level,” said Reichmuth, noting that many municipalities have their own individual climate goals and action plans that citizens can get involved in. At the state and federal level, people can also advocate for and support clean vehicle policies that could ultimately result in travelers having a larger, and ideally greener, range of vehicles and modes of transportation to choose from.
Most Eco-Friendly City Transport
When you live in, or visit, a city you need to consider is how to get around. Popular options in most cities include taxis or Ubers, or in larger cities the subway or underground railway. From an environmental point of view there are many transport options that probably should be avoided. So what are the most eco-friendly city transport options?
The reason city transport is a topic well worth discussing…
“In 2019, in Greater London, the equivalent of between 3,600 to 4,100 deaths were estimated to be attributable to air pollution, considering that health effects exist even at very low levels. This calculation is for deaths from all causes including respiratory, lung cancer and cardiovascular deaths.” – Health burden of air pollution in London
Air pollution is a very real problem, especially in cities and large towns. There are many ways that air pollution levels can be improved from banning log burners in homes, reducing emissions from factories, planting more trees and by reducing the number of pollutant emitting vehicles on the roads. Emissions from cars and other vehicles is a big contributer to air pollution.
What are the Most Eco-Friendly City Transport Options?
Walking
It’s pretty obvious that walking to your destination is the most eco-friendly option. Some destinations however are just too far away to even considering walking. Some people are also not able to walk and that has to be taken into account. For those that are able, walking short distances is the preferable option and with many central city locations being pedestrianised it’s also often a very safe option.
Cycling
A bicycle will not emit any harmful pollutants and it will also improve your own health. More and more cities are providing cycle paths and safe cycle routes through busy town and city centres. As long as you have a safe place to store your bike, or a good bike lock, cycling is a great option. For tourists who can’t travel with their own bike, almost all large cities now seem to provide bikes that you can pick up in one location and drop off at another for a relatively small fee. If you live somewhere with a lot of hills it’s worth considering an electric bike (which I’ll go into in more detail below).
Scooters
I’m not talking about electric scooters here but the type normally associated with children. They’re cheaper than electric scooters and with just a little bit of effort you’ll be gliding down the road. A big advantage with kick scooters, is that they’re easy to carry around and you should even be able to bring it into your office to keep it safe. Many are foldable and come with carry straps as well.
Public Transport
Public transport is more often than not more eco-friendly than a private vehicle. For a start you’re reducing the number of vehicles on the road and public transport will not pollute the environment as much as SUV’s.
Individual buses can be very polluting, however when a bus is full instead of every person travelling in an individual car, a polluting bus is still the better option. These days buses are becoming more eco-friendly, especially in places like London.
“Since last year, all new double-deck buses will be hybrid, electric or hydrogen to focus on only buying the greenest, cleanest buses. In central London, all double-deck buses will be hybrid as of 2019 and all single-deck buses will emit zero exhaust emissions by 2020. By 2037 at the latest, all 9,200 buses across London will be zero emission.” – Cleaner buses
Train
If you can travel by electric train that’s better than a diesel one, but again a full train is much better for the environment than everyone travelling by car instead.
“Trains are the best way to travel and the most eco friendly mode of transportation too as a train releases ten times lesser greenhouse gases per passenger along the journey, when compared to an airplane” – Why travelling by train is eco-friendly
London Underground
Again improvements are being made to the London Underground to make it more sustainable. Things are slowly going in the right direction to reduce air pollution in Britains capital city.
“In a five-week period that began in late September, engineers have been testing a process at the Cloudesley Road station on Victoria Line trains that uses the force of a braking train to create power. As cars pull into the station, an inverter converts energy gathered from the force of the decreasing momentum and turns it into electricity, which is routed to the electrified rail and back into the Tube’s grid. The initial results were promising: After just one week of using the technology, Victoria Line trains recovered enough power to run Holborn, London’s smallest Tube station, for roughly two days per week.” – London’s Tube Begins Trial for Recycling Energy From Its Trains’ Brakes
Taxi (electric vehicle)
Personally I don’t believe taking a taxi is a particularly good option, however there are normally electric taxis available these days, so although you’re adding to the amount of traffic on the road, you’re not contributing to local air pollution. (Especially when renewable energy fully replaces fossil fuels).
Car-Pooling
Although many of the larger cities have good public transport options, or safe cycle paths, not everyone is close to a bus stop or train station. In these situations it’s worth talking to your work colleagues to see if carpooling would be an option. This is a good idea for the school run as well as for work. Not an option for tourists really.
Electric Vehicles
These days there are numerous options for electric vehicles (EV’s). I briefly mentioned electric bicycles and scooters but there’s more available than that! If you can’t walk long, or short, distances, or you live in a very hilly area, electric vehicles are a really good option to consider. There are electric vehicles available for a variety of budgets and needs.
Electric Bikes
There are so many different types of electric bike on the market these days that there will surely be one that suits your specific needs. If you work in the city you might want a lightweight foldable electric bike that you can carry into your office with you. Think about the distances you most often need to travel and the terrain. Battery life is also important. Check out the best electric bikes for speed, distance, budget and more.
Electric Scooters
Perfect for commuters, electric scooters are lightweight and small and convenient. They don’t go over around 15mph and as long as you follow the law they are perfectly safe to use. There’s a huge range of electric scooters available for all sorts of budgets.
Electric Mopeds
Mopeds have been popular for city dwellers for years. It’s much easier to get through traffic when you’re on a moped rather than in a car. To reduce air pollution and for an eco-friendly city transport option electric mopeds are definitely worth considering. This is especially true if you live on the opposite side of town to the place you work.
There are some great electric mopeds available. Delivery drivers can purchase electric delivery bikes specifically designed for them. Or you can buy a retro looking moped, I really like this particular retro style e-moped.
Electric Motorbikes
When purchasing any kind of electric vehicle you have to consider how far you need to travel. Generally the longer the battery life you require the more expensive the EV will be. This particularly applies to motorbikes, mopeds and cars. EV technology is constantly improving and batteries will allow you to travel further. If you just need to get to work and back hopefully you don’t have to travel huge distances each day. There are some pretty good electric motorbikes on the market these days with some reaching pretty good speeds.
Electric Unicycles
You might think I’m talking about a circus style unicycle (that’s what I imagined when I first saw the words ‘electric unicycle’) but I’m not! I’m not sure I would ever consider one of these as they look fairly hard to master, especially starting and stopping. The advantage of an electric unicycle is that they are small and once mastered a pretty good way to get around.
Electric Cars
Electric cars obviously reduce air pollution but don’t help to reduce the amount of traffic on the road. From an environmental point of view they’re much better than petrol or diesel cars. From a safety point of view, for pedestrians, they may not be the best option. This is because they can be so quiet that unsuspecting pedestrians can’t hear you coming to get out of the way. Read more about electric cars.
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Top 5 Eco-Friendly Transportation Methods You Can Feel Great About
November 23, 2018
When was the last time you’ve sat in traffic? Probably quite recently. Well, the environment takes a drastic hit each time that many cars come together simultaneous and emit harmful pollutants into the air.
Actually, that negative effect happens anytime any vehicle that isn’t a mode of green transportation is on the road. This has become a large concern of many people across the globe. Check out these eco-friendly transportation ideas if you’re interested in having a positive impact on our carbon footprint.
1. Bikes, Scooters and Hoover Boards
Bicycles are an age-old method of getting to the places you need to go. These modes of transportation are so beneficial to the environment that you never have to worry about them negatively impacting the environment with loud noises of harmful carbon monoxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Nowadays fans of low impact transportation, such as bicycles, have great selections. You may also want to consider riding a scooter or moped to your destination. Electric scooters are particularly popular among riders, mainly because they’re safer than hover boards yet less bulky than bikes. However, people on the heavier side tend to worry that this type of transportation might not hold their weight. But actually, there are scooters for people heavier than 250 or 300 lbs, and this makes it accessible for weighty riders as well.
2. Electric/Hybrid Vehicles
While there are a lot of good EVs on the market, you need to make sure you do your research to find the right one. You also need the right amenities to go with them, which you can find at EV Cable Shop.
3. Car Pooling
Carpooling is not a new concept but it is a useful and relevant one. Essentially, you and others ride together if you’re going to the same location. This greatly cuts down on the number of cars on the road- which decreases harmful emissions and traffic.
Some states, such as Arizona, have integrated this practice into their rules and regulations. There are currently special lanes exclusively for carpooling to drive in. And you could get a hefty fine if you’re found riding in the lane while driving solo. We are also seeing car share apps, such as Uber and Lyft, adopting these eco-friendly transportation models as well. Your ride may be cheaper if you choose to share a vehicle with someone. These incentives are helpful for encouraging people to be more environmentally conscious.
4. Public Transportation
Although some buses and other public transportation have raised concerns in the past, using these modes of transportation still may help out the environment. Public transportation typically follows the same model as carpooling. It could be beneficial to leave your car home sometimes and take the bus. There have also been more recent developments to public transit that would qualify them as green transportation, such as electric trolley cars and trains. Depending on where you live, your city or state may already be implementing some healthier solutions to transform transportation systems.
5. Walking
This may be the most simple solution there is. Just walk! Save yourself money by walking to your local destinations. Walking is also great exercise, helps you clear your mind and doesn’t require a schedule to do. Buy stable walking shoes and shoe inserts if you need extra support. Help the environment by getting those legs moving with family, friends or even a solo stroll.
Don’t Just Stop at Eco-Friendly Transportation
We should all be pitching in to help preserve the planet. Eco-friendly transportation isn’t the only thing you can do. Making small adjustments to your daily living could go a long way. Check out this article if you’re interested in more ways of how you can have an impact on an environmentally sustainable future.
8 Most Eco-Friendly Ways Of Transportation For Short & Long Distance
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When it comes to finding the most eco-friendly way of transportation, one thing is certain – it is hard to give a straight answer because most times, it depends on many factors.
However, for the most part, we know that specific options are better than others.
In this article, you will find more about the most eco-friendly ways of transportation, both short-distance, and long-distance, and learn more about why it isn’t as simple as you thought.
Let’s jump right in.
Eco-Friedly Ways Of Transportation For Short Distance:
1. Bike
If you choose an eco-friendly way of transportation when traveling short distances such as to work, or university, riding a bike is one of the best options to get around.
Bicycles need no fuel to work and take up less road space. They are better for the environment and good for your health. If more people decide to bike around, cities will:
2. Electric bike
E-bikes are another great and cost-effective option to move around. E-bikes use electric power, along with human power, to move forward.
They do not release toxic gases. Furthermore, if you can charge the battery using green solar power, you will be using 100% environmentally friendly energy, making the electric bike a fantastic option.
You will save money in the long run and reach your destination fast, without getting stuck in traffic.
Assuming it is charged with an electric energy mix, an estimation is that an e-bike emits 40 to 140 times fewer pounds of greenhouse gases than a gas car.
Overall, an electric one can be a great alternative if you aren’t a huge fan of regular bikes.
3. Tram Or Metro
Nowadays, most trams use electrical power, and if your country gets its power from renewable sources, it is a great sustainable way to move around town.
They are also quite efficient, regular, and usually very affordable transportation options.
4. Carpooling
One of the biggest problems with cars is how we use them. When every single passenger uses their vehicle, we waste more gas per person.
Having fewer passengers per car also means that there will be more cars on the road, which increases traffic congestion and makes road travel inefficient.
Try carpooling with a friend, co-worker, or neighbor to reduce traffic congestion and minimize per-person gas emissions.
When you share your ride with people who need to get to the same or nearby destinations, you don’t just reduce your carbon footprint; you can also reduce your gas expenses.
Eco-Friedly Ways Of Transportation For Long Distance:
Travel longer distance means using a form of fossil fuel-reliant transportation. So let’s take a closer look at which is the best option you have and why.
5. Bus
Unlike bicycles, buses still burn fossil fuels. However, because buses can carry many people, they are much more environmentally friendly than cars.
Traveling long-distance with a bus means reducing the overall number of vehicles on the road, decreasing CO2 emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
6. Train
Trains are another eco-friendly option to travel around and an ideal option if you travel between distant cities or countries.
Trains offer similar environmental benefits as buses. Because trains have a large carrying capacity, they can move large numbers of people across distances while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
A report by the BBC revealed that Eurostar trains emit only 6g of CO2 per passenger per kilometer traveled, while domestic rails emit 41g per passenger per kilometer traveled.
In comparison, private cars emit 171g of CO2 per passenger per kilometer traveled. Also, trains have many advantages; they are fast, reliable, and comfortable.
7. Electric Vehicles
Another option is an electric car. Unlike traditional combustion engine cars, electric vehicles don’t use gas.
Instead, they get power from rechargeable batteries and energy from electricity.
Since electric cars don’t rely on petrol, their environmental impact is smaller than traditional regular combustion engine cars.
Where you live essentially will determine how clean your electricity is, and because electric cars still rely on it, those who want to minimize their electric car’s environmental impact can switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar power.
Hoymiles explains that investing in solar installations will let you power your car without contributing to the harmful practice of burning fossil fuels.
Going solar also has other benefits, such as reduced electric bills, energy independence, and tax credits.
In any case, electric cars are a much better option over their lifespan, and they don’t consume any near the fossil fuels that gas-powered cars do.
If you don’t have the opportunity to get an electric car, another efficient option is a small, light hybrid vehicle.
8. Hitchhiking Or Shared Transportation
Another alternative & eco-friendly way to travel around is by hitchhiking or using ridesharing apps.
Hitchhiking or sharing a ride with someone to another town results in (almost) no more carbon emission than the car you are getting into will release anyway.
Some great apps and websites for shared transportation include:
FAQ:
What is the best way to for traveling overseas?
It is a tricky question, and for now, the only two options for traveling to the other side of the world are – flying and taking a cruise.
Sailing may seem the better option, but some research found it worse than flying. Additionally, it will take much longer to reach your destination.
That’s why, for oversea traveling, flying is the only option. To make flying a little bit better, you can follow those tips:
How terrible is flying?
Unlike other transportation modes, there’s not a lot we can do (yet), to make flying more sustainable.
Aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, but its overall contribution to climate change is higher since it affects the climate in several more complex ways.
Generally, aircraft emissions are tough to calculate because there are also a lot of variables in play — how many seats are filled, how far and how high a plane travels, its route, the time of year and time of day, flight delays, and reroutings, etc.
What we know is that aviation emissions have doubled since the mid-1980s, and currently, global aviation (domestic and international) accounts for:
Another thing to consider is that 50% of GHG emissions from air travel, it is originating from just 1% of the world population, who are actually able to travel by plane.
Cutting GHG emissions from air travel lies in reducing its volume, particularly among the individuals who fly frequently.
What are the benefits of eco-friendly transportation?
Eco-friendly transportation options, such as bikes, public transport, and electric cars, can reduce the overall consumption of fossil fuels.
Decreasing the emission of harmful greenhouse gases can make the air cleaner, improving health and reducing people’s likelihood of developing respiratory diseases.
Using bicycles and public transportation also means putting fewer cars on the road. The lowered demand for road space then decreases the ground and water pollution caused by road construction.
Why can it be hard to determine the most eco-friendly way of transportation?
While some transportation options are better than others, sometimes it can be difficult or confusing to determine the best choice.
The most sustainable traveling options depend on many factors, and changes can make the conclusion different, including:
What is the most environmentally friendly way to travel?
Because they emit zero greenhouse gases, regular or e-bicycles are the most environmentally friendly short-distance travel option.
For long-distance travel, the “greenest” traveling option depends heavily on the distance travel, the source of power, and amount of passengers.
As a rule of thumb, in most cases, the bus is the most efficient option, then is the train, and lastly – a private vehicle or a plane.
What form of transportation is the worst for the environment?
Of all forms of transportation, airplanes and private cars are the worst forms of transportation, contributing to the most pollution.
In addition, because vehicles have lower carrying capacities than trains and buses, they emit more CO2 per passenger.
As it turns out, motor vehicles are the largest source of per capita GHG emissions in the United States, and the second-largest source in Europe; they are responsible for 21% of personal GHG emissions.
What barriers prevent people from using eco-friendly transportation?
For many, cars remain the most convenient travel option because they are the most widely available.
Unfortunately, not all cities have invested in public transport or adjusted their infrastructures to accommodate biker safety.
On the other hand, electric cars are inaccessible to people with limited financial means.
For eco-friendly transportation to gain traction worldwide, people need to work with local governments and promote the construction of efficient and more sustainable transportation systems.
Summary
While there isn’t a simple solution to this massive issue, it is essential to choose eco-friendly ways of travelling whenever possible.
The transportation sector is one of the world’s most significant contributors to pollution.
In 2014, it was reported that the transportation sector accounts for 28% of total greenhouse gases.
Luckily, most times, there are alternatives to better transportation options that are less harmful and better for our planet.
Just remember that everything depends on many factors, including where you live.
Try to collect additional information related to your local area to get the most accurate answer for the most eco-friendly transportation options you have.
What is the most eco friendly transport i believe
Вопрос по английскому языку:
I’m not a child but I still like cartoons and animated films. ___RECENT____, I enrolled in an animation course in our university. The ____TEACH_____ of the course explained to us how animated films are made. Basically, animation is just a series of pictures with a character. Each picture is a little ____DIFFER_______. When you show the pictures really fast, it looks like they are moving. Some people say animation is not a serious thing. I strongly ___AGREE_____. Animated films may be ___FUN_____ but clever and useful to learn new skills. I believe they can be used in many spheres, and most importantly of all in ___EDUCATE_____.
Not everyone likes street art. ____USUAL________ nobody asks owners’ permission before drawing graffiti on their houses. Sometimes the drawings may be ___INTEREST_____ and nice but sometimes messy and ugly. What is graffiti – a form of art or vandalism? It depends on the drawing, I think. A friend of mine, John, is a street __ART____. He says that street art is a form of ____COMMUNICATE____. A person can tell you nice or rude things, can’t he? As for John, he is a really nice and ___CREATE_____ person. He enjoys drawing _____VARY_______ characters from animated films. When my neighbours saw his drawings, they asked him to paint some pictures on the wall of their house. Just to make it look brighter and more positive.
What is the most eco-friendly transport? I believe it’s the bicycle. There are a lot of bicycles on the streets of our town and that is probably why it looks so green and ____BEAUTY___. There are cycle lanes all over the town so using your bike to get to school or to the office is safe and convenient. ___FORTUNATELY____, some people still prefer driving cars even for short distances. They make the environment less _____HEALTH_____. As for me, I enjoy riding my bike very much and all my friends say that I’m a good ____RIDE____. Next month I’m going to take part in a regional cycling _____COMPETE_____ and I hope to win it. I don’t think I will stop riding my bicycle till I’m ____REAL____ old.
Koalas are cute animals. _____FORTUNATELY_______, it causes them lots of problems. There are people who want to keep the cute exotic animal as a pet which may put the koala in a really ____DANGER_____ situation. The problem is that the koala’s diet is very specific. To stay ______HEALTH______ they should only eat eucalyptus leaves. The leaves need to be young and fresh, which means a person who keeps a koala should also have a lot of eucalyptus trees. Andrew Page, a ___SCIENCE_______ who has been studying koalas for years, says that it’s a bad idea to keep this animal as a pet. According to him, people who try to do it usually have very little _____INFORM________ about koala’s lifestyle. And their ignorance can often cost the ___BEAUTY______ animal its life.
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