Good day my good friend.
Well, the last couple of days were unpleasant. And whilst it is easy to give into cynicism about the climate, we have to remember that there is much that we can do as transport professionals to change things. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, planting street trees, prioritising schemes that reduce carbon emissions above those with a good economic case to name a few. There is plenty of hope yet.
If you have any suggestions for interesting news items or bits of research to include in this newsletter, you can email me.
You should also join a lot of like-minded people at Mobility Camp in Bristol in September. Get your tickets now. Seriously, they are starting to really sell now.
James
The opportunities for Jet Zero
Yesterday, of all days, the UK Government published its Jet Zero Strategy. In other words, how everyone can continue to fly as much as they want, and be guilt free about it. The climate charity Possible has published damning evidence of the history of missed sustainability targets of the aviation industry. And the strategy screams “look, I know the climate is important, but I really like flying.”
But, believe it or not, there are opportunities for Jet Zero. In the UK, we do have many outlying islands that are a short flight time and well within the range of electric planes. And there are plenty of ideas ranging from concepts to practical demonstrators. This is not flying a celebrity here – these are important links that provide access to services and improving connectivity to really hard to reach areas. Domestic flights generally can get in the bin, personally, but targeted Jet Zero to outlying areas could be a very good thing.
Walkable neighbourhoods can help the elderly use (some) tech
Now that is a title that I never thought I would write. But this new study in the Journal of Transport & Health indicates that this may be the case. What their results state is that as people’s social interactions increase, their use of packaged software (such as WhatsApp) increases. But what is more interesting is how the impact seems to be circular and slightly more nuanced, as the study concludes:
“Information technology use can facilitate social activity, but experimentation with new information technologies can discourage social engagement, even in higher walkability. Packaged software use assessment, which measures the ability to use packaged software such as WhatsApp, can more significantly support social activity in higher walkability.”
The evidence for the impacts of walkable neighbourhoods on sociability are generally positive, but complex. Though people who live in walkable neighbourhoods generally have higher levels of social capital compared to those living in other neighbourhoods. So, while walkable areas are generally positive for social connections, this positive impact is more complex and varied than we give it credit for. And that is what makes it interesting.
Random things
These links are meant to make you think about the things that affect our world in transport, and not just think about transport itself. I hope that you enjoy them.
This robot dog just taught itself to walk (MIT Technology Review)
Michael Hudson on Finance Capitalism’s Self-Destructive Nature (Naked Capitalism)
Don’t jinx it: Supply chains are starting to get back to normal (Los Angeles Times)
Crypto collapse: 3AC, Voyager, Celsius, and other DeFi casualties (Amy Castor)
Something interesting
In case you were wondering why many parts of the rail network in the UK were closed yesterday, this is why. Its slightly terrifying to be honest!
If you do nothing else today, then do this
If you want to start to take action on climate change, but are worried that what you do may not be enough, I recommend following Jen Gale. In her own words, she is all about being sustainable(ish), and not letting perfect be the enemy of the good. Its very inspiring!
Mobility Matters 