In this extract, Brian Caufield, Professor and Expert at the National Transport Authority, answers the question: What should be our priority when it comes to mobility?
I think the on-demand mobility that everyone has, which allows us to get out of our homes and straight to where we want to go, is what has locked us into the carbon emissions we’re facing.
Public transport and active mobility are not as demand-driven. That’s why we need to get away from this idea that we can go wherever we want. We need to start planning and thinking things through, because mobility by car in its current state is simply not sustainable. Continuing to invest in this mobility, as opposed to electric vehicles, doesn’t solve the problem.
We have a limited amount of road space in our cities, and this space needs to be available for people who move together, rather than those who move separately.
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Interview
Climate
How can we reconcile mobility and climate action?
Gemenne François, Member of the IPCC and co-director of the Defense & Climate Observatory at IRIS Scientific Advisor
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Interview
Design
Do citizens have a say in what their cities look like ?
Boutaïna Araki, President of Clear Channel France
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Insights
Decarbonization
Decarbonizing mobility: where do we start?
Brian Caulfield, Professor in transportation and Head of Department at Trinity College Dublin, Expert to the National Transport Authorithy (Ireland)
Although they yield environmental benefits, they come with several constraints and issues, including lithium extraction, which raises ethical concerns. They are also unable to tackle urban issues such as road congestion or bus delays. -
Edito
Walking
Is walking the primary form of urban mobility?
Jim Walker, Founder Walk21 Foundation
Tomorrow’s urban mobility will be much like todays in that walking will continue to be an essential part of trips. -
Insights
Data
Which technology or practice is driving the other?
Nathalie Allegret, Director of National Activities and Development, Equans Cities and Communities Division (multi-technical services)