How to get cars out of our cities?

THE research is now clear. To improve health outcomes, meet climate goals and create more livable cities, reducing car use should be an urgent priority.
Ireland has the fourth highest level of transport emissions per capita in Europe and the transport sector is responsible for around 20% of our overall carbon dioxide emissions, with passenger cars accounting for 41% of sector emissions transports. The sale of fuel-guzzling SUVs continues to grow rapidly: 55,000 were sold in 2021 (nearly 55% of all new cars), while 8,600 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in the same year.
- Dr Catherine Conlon is Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Public Health at St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork and former Director of Human Health and Nutrition at Safefood. His book was released by Veritas in 2020.