24 Feb
2022
24 Feb
'22
12:37 p.m.
FYI, for those with journal access--how centering active travel in policy
can improve health outcomes AND reduce greenhouse gas emissions
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Neil Maizlish <neil3971(a)comcast.net>
Date: Wed, Feb 23, 2022 at 10:05 PM
Subject: Health Benefits of Strategies for Carbon Mitigation in US
Transportation, 2017-2050
To: Neil Maizlish <neil3971(a)comcast.net>
Dear Colleague,
We are pleased to share our recently published research article "Health
Benefits of Strategies for Carbon Mitigation in US Transportation,
2017-2050", which appeared February 23, 2022 in the online March issue of
the *American Journal of Public Health*.
https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306600
The research compares the health benefits of active transportation versus
electrification of cars as strategies to decarbonize the transportation
sector. We believe this to be the first U.S. national estimate that
integrates physical activity from active transport, air pollution reduction
from tailpipe emissions, and road traffic injuries. As we build back
better and strive for racial and health equity, we hope this information
will inform policy making to improve public health and urgently reduce
carbon emissions in transportation.
Sincerely,
Neil Maizlish
Linda Rudolph
Chengsheng Jiang
*Abstract*
*Health Benefits of Strategies for Carbon Mitigation in US Transportation,
2017**‒**2050*
*Neil Maizlish <https://ajph.aphapublications.org/author/Maizlish%2C+Neil>*
PhD, MPH, *Linda Rudolph
<https://ajph.aphapublications.org/author/Rudolph%2C+Linda>* MD, MPH,
and *Chengsheng
Jiang <https://ajph.aphapublications.org/author/Jiang%2C+Chengsheng>* PhD
*Objectives.* To quantify health benefits and carbon emissions of 2
transportation scenarios that contrast optimum levels of physical activity
from active travel and minimal air pollution from electric cars.
*Methods.* We used data on burden of disease, travel, and vehicle emissions
in the US population and a health impact model to assess health benefits
and harms of physical activity from transportation-related walking and
cycling, fine particulate pollution from car emissions, and road traffic
injuries. We compared baseline travel with walking and cycling a median of
150 weekly minutes for physical activity, and with electric cars that
minimized carbon pollution and fine particulates.
*Results.* In 2050, the target year for carbon neutrality, the active
travel scenario avoided 167 000 deaths and gained 2.5 million
disability-adjusted life years, monetized at $1.6 trillion using the value
of a statistical life. Carbon emissions were reduced by 24% from baseline.
Electric cars avoided 1400 deaths and gained 16 400 disability-adjusted
life years, monetized at $13 billion.
*Conclusions.* To achieve carbon neutrality in transportation and maximize
health benefits, active travel should have a prominent role along with
electric vehicles in national blueprints.
*Am J Public Health*. 2022; 112(3):426– 433.
https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306600 Published Online: February 23, 2022
Neil Maizlish, MPH, PhD
Epidemiologist
Berkeley, CA 94707
Email: neil3971(a)comcast.net
Tel. (510) 525-4939
--
Kelly Rodgers (she/her)
Executive Director, Streetsmart <http://thinkstreetsmart.org/>
kelly(a)thinkstreetsmart.org
503.442.7165
Portland, OR
*Please note I am working in Pacific Standard Time.*