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What is sustainable transportation?
A sustainable transportation system is one that is safe, efficient and environmentally
friendly. Sustainable transportation is about integrating economic, social and
environmental considerations into decisions affecting transportation activity.
Economically, we need a transportation system that is efficient and competitive. Socially,
our transportation system must be safe and accessible. In addition, we need a
transportation system that respects the natural environment. It is not always easy to
balance these three considerations - sometimes there are trade-offs but there are also
win-win-win opportunities.
What is sustainable development? How does it fit with
sustainable transportation?
In its 1987 report, Our common Future, the United Nations Commission on Environment and
Development defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs." In the transportation sector, this means that the transportation system, and
transportation activity in general, must be sustainable on three counts - economic, social
and environmental. In practice, this means that governments, industry and individuals must
work together to integrate economic, social and environmental considerations into
decisions affecting transportation activity.
Why is sustainable transportation important?
An immense transportation system is necessary to link all corners of a country the size of
Canada. Although transportation provides many economic and social benefits, the movement
of people and goods can have significant environmental consequences, which can in turn
have social and economic repercussions. Sustainable transportation calls for ensuring that
the environment is considered along with economic and social considerations in
transportation decision-making.
How does transportation impact on the environment?
Environmental impacts of transportation include air and water pollution, greenhouse gas
emissions, and the use of land and other natural resources. A range of transportation
activities contribute to these pressures, including the construction of infrastructure;
the production, operation, maintenance and disposal of vehicles; and, the provision of
energy and fuel.
A major challenge of sustainable transportation is to control or prevent air pollution
and greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse
gas emissions in Canada, accounting for about 25 percent of total emissions. Environment
Canada has estimated that for every 2,000 litres of gasoline consumed, the average car
produces 4,720 kg of carbon dioxide, 186.6 kg of carbon monoxide, 28 kg of volatile
organic compounds and 25.6 kg of nitrogen oxides.
Spills and leaks of fuels, oils, and solid and hazardous waste by-products, can
contaminate land, surface water and groundwater. Spills and illegal discharges of oil and
oily wastes by ships travelling along Canada's coast may contaminate beaches and fishing
areas. It has been estimated, for example, that discharges of oil by passing ships kill
tens of thousands of birds every year.
How is Transport Canada proposing to promote sustainable
transportation?
Transport Canada's Sustainable
Development Strategy 2001-2003 was tabled in Parliament in February 2001. The Strategy
outlines Transport Canada's vision of sustainable development and its action plan for
promoting a more sustainable transportation system for all Canadians. It contains seven
strategic challenges and 29 concrete actions for the next three years, along with
performance indicators to measure our progress. The seven strategic challenges are:
- improving education and awareness of sustainable transportation
- developing tools for better decisions
- promoting adoption of sustainable transportation technology
- improving environmental management for Transport Canada operations and lands
- reducing air emissions
- reducing pollution of water
- promoting efficient transportation
What is MOST?
Transport Canada created the Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) funding program
to promote awareness of sustainable transportation issues and encourage concrete action by
Canadians.
The primary objectives of the MOST Program are to:
- provide Canadians with practical information and tools for better applying sustainable
transportation thinking to their daily lives;
- stimulate the development of innovative tools, approaches and practices for increasing
the sustainability of Canada's transportation system; and
- realize quantifiable environmental and sustainable development results on Transport
Canada's sustainable development priorities.
See our Applying to MOST section for
information on how to make a submission.
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