Week 3: Climate Action Stride
Walking for Climate Action
Welcome to week 3 of the WALK30 Challenge! Last week, we delved into the benefits of community connection through walking. We hope you had the opportunity to meet neighbours and friends, visit local places, and connect with your community. This week, our focus shifts to walking for the climate.
We firmly believe that embracing active and sustainable transportation modes, such as walking, cycling, and transit, represents one of the most impactful actions individuals can take against climate change. Through the WALK30 Challenge, our goal is to inspire participants to walk more and provide them with the knowledge and experiences necessary to cultivate sustainable transportation habits. We aim to contribute to a permanent reduction in the reliance on driving as a mode of transportation.
Our carbon footprint
It's important to reassess how we navigate and engage with the planet to ensure sustainable growth for current and future generations.
A recent study led by the University of Oxford’s Transport Studies Unit highlights the necessity of moving away from motorized transportation to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Swapping your car for walking or cycling one day a week can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Shifting to active transportation modes, such as walking, cycling, or any method powered by your energy, could save as much as a quarter of personal carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions! If 10% of the population adopts such travel behaviour changes, the resulting emissions savings would constitute around 4% of lifecycle CO2 emissions from all car travel.
Have you calculated your carbon footprint? Numerous apps are available for download to track your carbon footprint on your phone. Explore this list of apps for more information.
Opting for active transportation modes while minimizing driving is beneficial for the environment and contributes to reducing social inequalities and enhancing social connections and public health.
To improve active travel take-up, cities across the world will need to increase investment in high-quality infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporate policy and planning concepts that require a fairly radical rethink of our cities. - Dr. Audrey de Nazelle, Senior Lecturer at the Centre of Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
Rethinking Mobility in Our Cities
In Metro Vancouver, sustainability and climate action are at the forefront, driven by the overarching Metro Vancouver’s Climate 2050 Plan. The plan outlines key objectives—a 45% reduction in emissions from 2010 levels by 2030 and regional carbon neutrality by 2050.
All our participating cities are making strides toward collectively achieving regional climate goals through their distinct programs and objectives. The WALK30 Challenge actively supports these efforts in the realm of active transportation. Embracing active transportation and walking is integral to curbing carbon emissions and achieving these regional targets!
For a deeper dive into each city's municipal climate strategy, check out the details here:
What's your vision for your future mode of transportation once the WALK30 Challenge wraps up? Has your participation in the Challenge sparked a transformative journey towards adopting new transportation habits?
Share your thoughts on Twitter or Instagram and let us in on your plans to walk more for the climate!🚶♂️🌍
Happy Walking!