Carbon-free urban transportation, a solution for a sustainable future

Introduction The need to transition to carbon-free urban transport is rooted in the environmental, social and economic challenges facing urban communities in the ۲۱st century. The increasing density of private cars and dependence on fossil fuels in cities, in addition to air pollution and climate change, has led to traffic congestion, a decrease in the quality of life of citizens, and increased health costs. In this context, the development of sustainable and carbon-free transport systems, such as electric public transport, shared bicycles and walking, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and increase the physical and mental health of citizens. This transformation not only helps to preserve the environment, but also leads to the creation of more livable cities that are more resilient to future crises. On the other hand, the transition to carbon-free urban transport can play an important role in achieving the goals of sustainable development and reducing social inequalities. Sustainable transport systems are usually less expensive than private cars and are accessible to a wide range of citizens, including low-income groups. This can help reduce inequality in access to economic and social opportunities. Also, investing in carbon-free transport infrastructure, such as urban rail networks and electric vehicle charging stations, can lead to the creation of new jobs and strengthen local economies. Therefore, the transition to carbon-free transport is not only an environmental imperative, but also a smart strategy for social and economic progress. Methodology The research method is developmental in terms of its purpose and qualitative in terms of the nature of the data, based on text analysis. The document mining method was used to collect data. The statistical population of the research includes books, articles and scientific documents related to carbon-free urban transport, which were selected using a purposive sampling method. In addition, the data analysis of this study was carried out in four stages: description, analysis, inference, and explanation. Result and discussion The research results indicate that the components of zero-carbon urban transport include sustainable public transport, zero-carbon private vehicles, walking and cycling, supporting infrastructure, smart urban planning and demand management, new technologies, education and behavior change, government policies and laws, and international and local cooperation. Zero-carbon urban transport strategies include the development of electric public transport, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, developing active transport, demand management, using renewable energy, smart technologies, designing sustainable cities, education and culture, intersectoral cooperation, and regular monitoring. Its most important benefits include reducing air pollution and protecting the environment, reducing fossil fuel consumption, improving the quality of urban life, reducing personal and social costs, advancing technology and creating economic opportunities, mitigating climate change, increasing access and social justice, and supporting smart and sustainable cities. The transition to zero-carbon urban transport requires a multi-pronged and coordinated approach that includes policy, technology, education and cultural change. Given the growth of urban populations and environmental challenges, these components can play a key role in creating sustainable and healthy cities in the future. Zero-carbon urban transport strategies or strategies refer to a set of plans, policies and operational solutions that aim to reduce or completely eliminate carbon emissions in the urban transport sector. These strategies include a combination of technological, management, infrastructure and behavioral change approaches. Conclusion Zero-carbon urban transport is one of the main pillars of sustainable development in the ۲۱st century. Given the serious environmental challenges, including climate change, air pollution and the depletion of natural resources, the transition to zero-carbon transport systems is not only a necessity but also an opportunity to improve the quality of life of citizens and reduce pressure on the environment. This transformation requires the cooperation of governments, the private sector, local communities and new technologies. By implementing solutions such as the development of electric public transport, encouraging the use of sustainable vehicles (bicycles and walking), and the use of renewable energies, we can achieve cities that not only produce zero carbon, but also become a model for healthy and sustainable living. Urban transport is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. To achieve a sustainable future, fundamental changes in transport systems are necessary. One of the first proposals is to develop and expand electric public transport networks such as buses, trains and metros. This type of transport not only reduces air pollution, but also helps reduce traffic and energy consumption. The use of electric personal transport, including electric bicycles and electric cars, can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. Governments can encourage people to use these vehicles by providing financial incentives, such as subsidies and credit facilities. It is also necessary to develop the necessary infrastructure, such as public charging stations. Another solution is to design cities that are planned based on pedestrians and cyclists. Creating safe and dedicated routes for cyclists and pedestrians will not only reduce the use of fuel-powered vehicles, but also help improve the physical and mental health of citizens. This approach can transform cities into more beautiful and sustainable spaces. The transition to clean and renewable fuels is also one of the main solutions. The use of solar, wind and hydrogen energy to power vehicles and transport infrastructure can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. The development of new technologies such as hydrogen cars can also be considered as an alternative option. Facilitating the use of shared vehicle services can also help reduce the number of private cars. Car sharing and bike sharing programs allow citizens to use vehicles only when necessary, thereby reducing the demand for private cars. This approach also helps reduce vehicle maintenance costs. Smart planning for traffic management and reducing waste of time and energy is also of great importance. The use of smart technologies such as data-based traffic management systems and artificial intelligence can facilitate the optimization of vehicle movement. These systems can help reduce fuel waste and reduce pollutant emissions. Education and increasing public awareness also play a key role in changing citizen behavior. Providing accurate information about the environmental impacts of traditional transport and the benefits of using sustainable methods can help change people's attitudes and habits. This awareness can be spread through educational campaigns, schools and the media. Collaboration between governments, the private sector and society is also essential. Governments should enact laws and regulations that help reduce carbon emissions, while the private sector should invest in the development of new and sustainable technologies. People should also play an active role as key partners in this transformation. Finally, continuous assessment and monitoring of the performance of urban transport systems is essential. These assessments can help identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. Using accurate data and analysis, scientific and effective decisions can be made to improve carbon-free urban transport. In short, achieving carbon-free urban transport requires coordinated and multi-faceted efforts. By implementing these suggestions, we can take effective steps towards a sustainable future and provide a better life for future generations. These changes will not only help the environment, but also improve the quality of life of citizens.

کلیدواژه ها:

Climate change ، greenhouse gases ، carbon-free urban transportation ، sustainable future