Transport

Transport is a major contributor to climate change, and the largest air and noise polluter in the UK. It's important that we understand what the various modes of transport are and how they impact the world that we live in.
DEFRA reported that in 2018, approximately 33% of carbon dioxide emissions were from the transport sector.

Cars

Every year, illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide are emitted by diesel vehicles, they are responsible for about 71,000 premature deaths in Europe.

Lorries

Lorries represent less than 5% of all vehicles on the road in Europe but they are responsible for about a quarter of the transport’s sectors greenhouse gas emissions.

Aviation

In the last 20 years, emissions from aviation have more than doubled and is responsible for an estimated 4.9% of man-made global warming.

Ships

Shipping is the fastest growing source of CO2 and could be responsible for about 17% of global emissions by 2050 if nothing is done. It's also a source of air pollution, acid rain and eutrophication which is a leading cause of impairment to many freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems.

Public Transport

Public transport can provide a sustainable alternative to car travel. Evidence suggests that public transport has the potential to replace 21% of existing car journeys in cities areas around the UK. However, due to expensive fares, delays and overcrowding, many people are put off by public transport.
Buses are used more than any other public transport option for local journeys but their use has declined by 11% over the last 10 years, which is a shame as a full bus can take 50 cars off the road!
Whenever my son and I go to London to visit family and friends for the day, we ditch the car and travel by train, bus and tube.

The Great Outdoors

Cycling and scooting

Cycling and scooting from a young age has many long-lasting benefits, it develops road awareness and creates good habits for an active adult life. It helps children to connect with nature and helps them get to know their local area. There are many cycle routes all over the UK that you can use.

Walking

Since 1995, the number of children walking to school has declined in England and the numbers of children being driven to primary school has increased each year, walking to school helps reduce congestion and air pollution - a recent study found a link between air pollution and psychosis in children.
You are more able to explore your local area and get to know your community better by walking. There are many walking routes in the UK.

Health Benefits

Research shows that keeping physically active can reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by as much as 35% and risk of early death by as much as 30%.
Studies by the Mental Health Foundation have shown that physical activity can be used to overcome, and even prevent, depression and anxiety, and can be as effective as medication and counselling.
Young children's gross motor skills begin to develop from birth, and between the ages of 3 and 6 children develop fundamental movement skills, by providing opportunities to develop these skills, they are able to move confidently and control body movements.
By choosing to walk, bike or scoot more often we are reducing our impact on the environment and getting healthier at the same time.

Activity Ideas

Walk, scoot or cycle somewhere with your child at least once a week.

Game - Traffic Lights

You'll need the following:

Instructions:

Cut one circle from the red, orange and green card.
Show your child the green card and say, "Green light." Explain to your child that they must walk faster without running.
Show the yellow card and say, "Yellow light." Explain to your child that they must walk slowly as in a slow motion film.
Show the red card and say, "Red light." Explain to your child that they must stop and remain still, like a statue.
Alternate the different colours.

Crafts - London Bus

You'll need the following:

Instructions:

Paint the box red and leave it to dry.
Black paper:

Magazine:

White Paper:

Silver/grey Paper:

Discussions

Talk about the impact travelling by bus has on the environment.
Talk about the different types of transport nodes involved in food production such as tractors and ships.
Talk about the impact that travel has on our environment and health using stories, poems and making up songs.