Problem
Proliferation of automobiles and motor vehicles
Incidence:
During the 20th century, there has been a shift away from rail and water transport in favour of road and air. The single most dramatic change has been the rise in personal mobility in developed countries, encouraged by cheap oil, affordable motor cars and lifestyles built around commuting, out-of-town shopping, dispersed families and leisure activities. Since World War II, the number of vehicles on the road has risen from about 40 million to some 680 million. The fastest growth is now found in the developing world, though car ownership is still low. There will be more than 1 000 million vehicles on the road by 2025.
Broader Problems:
ProliferationUncontrolled urban development Narrower Problems:
Multi-car familiesExcessive numbers of freight vehiclesProliferation of sports utility vehicles Aggravates:
Air pollutionEnergy crisisNoise pollutionTraffic congestionUnrestricted travelRoad traffic accidentsEmissions from combustion enginesHealth hazards of asbestosDiscouragement of bicyclesExploitation of fossil fuelsUrban road traffic congestionOvertrafficked residential streetsEnvironmental degradation by road traffic Strategies:
Conserving fossil fuelsProducing automobiles and motor vehiclesReducing number of automobiles and motor vehiclesProviding sufficient transport vehicles Subject(s):
Societal Problems → ProliferationTransportation, Telecommunications → Motor vehicles
Transportation, Telecommunications → Roads
Transportation, Telecommunications → Vehicles
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST