Transport is connected with high rates of local pollution in the cities and high consumption of energy, usually non-renewable one. Sometimes our first transport option is not the most efficient and environmentally friendly.
People move and travel, they like to exlore. But by making the right choises, everybody can be an environmentally friendly traveller.

Here are some facts about transport and its impact on the environment:

• People produce the so-called "carbon footprint". The carbon footprint is defined as "the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)". (Time for Change)

• The ways of transportation have different impacts on environment, as they produce different amounts of CO2 emissions. They also affect the environment with regard to the use of energy. (EC Transport Research)

• Compared to driving or taking the train, travelling by air has a greater climate impact per passenger kilometre. It is currently responsible for 4-9% of the total climate change impact of human activity. (Airline Reporter)

• The average domestic flight emits 29 times more carbon than a high-speed electric train. (Guardian Data)

• Besides planes, cars are also producing a significant amount of CO2 emissions. For example, in 2010 in the United States, the total CO2 emissions where 3.441 billion lbs (pounds) of CO2 - or 37 lbs/car/day. This means that "it would take 68.820.000.000 trees per year to absorb the amount of current CO2 that is being put into our atmosphere by transportation" - or "2.867.500.000 acres of rain forest". (Planet Save)

• Bicycles produce 0 CO2 emissions. The only negative environmental impact they have is related to their manufacturing, because making frames and other components burns energy, typically non-renewable fossil fuels, and produces both greenhouse gas emissions and toxins. However, they are, without a doubt, the most eco-friendly mode of transport. (Berkley)

• For example, if every American living within five miles of work commuted by bike just one day a week, it would be like taking a million cars off the road entirely. (National Geographic)

         Other Resources:

• CO2 Emissions per transport type per Km
• Why the bike?
• The environmental impacts of transportation
• Pollutants emitted by transport system
• Environmental impacts of aviation emissions
• Flights emissions calculator
• Responsible traveler guide