Our lives would not be the same without transportation, particularly in the twenty-first century when so many people travel for business or leisure. However, our natural environment has increasingly suffered as a result of the excessive use of transportation services. Finding solutions to this issue is therefore essential. As we face escalating climate change, rising pollution levels, and a depletion of natural resources, the need to shift towards green travel has never been more urgent (Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, 2014). Green travel refers to modes of travel that minimize the environmental impact by prioritizing low emissions, using renewable energy sources, and conserving resources. Characteristic examples of sustainable means of transportation are bikes, buses, trains, and carpooling (European Commission, n.d. · Jia et al., 2017)

Reasons to choose green travel

• Environmental benefits
  The transportation sector is a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional vehicles that rely on fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel release carbon dioxide along with other harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides. These emissions contribute to concerning environmental problems that beset our world, such as global warming, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Our carbon footprint can be greatly decreased by choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation like electric vehicles (EVs), bicycles, walking, or public transportation. Electric cars have no tailpipe emissions, and their environmental effect is further reduced when they are fueled by renewable energy sources like solar or wind (IEA, n.d. · Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, 2014 · EPA, n.d.).
  
  
• Health benefits

Both urban and rural people are impacted by air pollution, which is a serious global health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost 99% of people on the planet breathe air that contains more pollutants than is advised for their safety levels. Outdoor air pollution is a major cause of respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. It is mostly caused by emissions from transportation, industrial activities, and household energy use (World Health Organization, n.d.-a).

Reducing air pollution and its detrimental impacts on health can be achieved in large part by embracing sustainable modes of transportation like walking, bicycling, and electric-powered transit. Additionally, choosing active ways of transportation not only cuts emissions but also promotes healthier everyday habits that help deal with cardiovascular disease, reduce obesity, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension (World Health Organization, n.d.-b).

• Economic benefits
  Green travel has major advantages for the environment and the economy. On an individual level, using public transport, car sharing, or electric vehicles can reduce the high costs of owning and maintaining a private car. For instance, EV’s offer lower running costs since electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and they require less maintenance (International Labor Organization, 2018). On a broader scale, accessible public transportation boosts employment opportunities, enhances productivity, and stimulates economic activity by enabling more people to participate in the labor market (Anciaes & Alhasann, 2024).
• Social benefits
  Shifting to public transit and active travel also offers significant social benefits by enhancing accessibility and reducing traffic congestion. Public transportation and cycling infrastructure provide mobility options for individuals without private vehicles, improving access to essential services and reducing social inequalities (Bennet, 2023). Also, by making it simpler for people to meet friends and relatives, participate in community events, and find volunteer opportunities, public transportation promotes social relationships (Anciaes & Alhasann, 2024).

Green travel and tourist industry 

Green travel is important in the tourism industry by promoting environmental awareness and responsible travel choices. Ecotourism, for example, enables tourists to gain a better understanding of the impact of human activities on nature while also instilling a great appreciation for the environment. Beyond sustainability, it fosters a deep bond between tourists and the environment, inspiring long-term commitment to conservation and social responsibility. Lastly, visitors can have a greater awareness of their role in preserving ecosystems and support local communities by participating in eco-friendly tourism experiences (Kasim, 2016).

References: 

Anciaes, P., & Alhassan, J. A. K. (2024). Economic and social impacts of public transport investments: a scoping literature review. In J. Mindell & S. Watkins (Eds.), Health on the Move 3: The Reviews (pp. 231-258). Elsevier https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.atpp.2023.12.002 

Bennett, M. (2023). The Role of Sustainable Transportation in Reducing Traffic Congestion. Green Living Inspiration. https://www.greenlivinginspiration.com/blog/sustainable-transportation-reducing-traffic-congestion/

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. (2014). Climate change: Implications for tourism. University of Cambridge. 

European Commission (n.d.). Sustainable Means of Transport and Green Travel. EU Wiki. https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=50106184 

International Energy Agency (n.d.). Transport. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/transport? 

International Labor Organization (2018). 24 million jobs to open up in the green economy. ILO News.https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/24-million-jobs-open-green-economy-0 

Jia, H., Appolloni, A., & Wang, Y. (2017). Green Travel: Exploring the Characteristics and Behavior Transformation of Urban Residents in China. Sustainability, 9(6), 1043. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9061043 

Kasim, A. (2016). The spirituality of green travel and tourism. International Journal of Tourism and Spirituality, 1(1), 116-124.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Greenhouse gas emissions from a typical passenger vehicle. U.S. EPA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Greenhouse gas emissions from a typical passenger vehicle. U.S. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle 

World Health Organization (n.d. -a). Air pollution. WHO. Retrieved (January 31), from 

https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution?#tab=tab_1 

World Health Organization (n.d. -b). Physical Activity. WHO. Retrieved (January 31), from https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity/promoting-walking-and-cycling#tab=tab_1