The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the transport report of the series "Health in the Green Economy" at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Durban, South Africa.
The report suggests that low-carbon transport measures can provide "win-win" options for developed and developing countries that benefit health. The report identifies some of the "win-win" strategies that can help reduce climate change in one of the world's most polluting sectors, and generate large health benefits at the same time.
Among the measures are better systems for rapid transit, walking and cycling, as well as urban land use that emphasizes greater "access" to key destinations by these modes. All these strategies can help promote physical activity, which can prevent heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes; reduce health-harming air pollution exposures; and reduce injury risks when cycle/pedestrian networks are made safer.