Futures

Advocating for Sustainable Transport and Exploring Storytelling Patterns in Literature, (from page 20231203.)

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Summary

The article discusses transportation sustainability and equity, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change due to environmental, social, and economic crises. Key points include electrifying transport, promoting slower speeds, reducing car sizes, improving access for excluded users, and advocating for lower transportation costs, including free public transport. The author argues for a transport system that is affordable and accessible to all, noting the lack of campaigns addressing these issues compared to food system advocacy. The second part delves into Kurt Vonnegut’s theory on story shapes, suggesting that narratives follow specific patterns, and compares this with other storytelling frameworks. Vonnegut identified eight fundamental story types, illustrating their structures and how they reflect broader societal themes.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Electrification of Transport The rise of e-bikes and e-scooters is reducing car usage. Shifting from petrol-powered vehicles to electric alternatives, emphasizing smaller transport solutions. A significant decrease in car ownership and usage, with electric alternatives dominating the transport landscape. Growing awareness of environmental issues and a push for sustainable transport solutions. 4
Slower Speed Campaigns Campaigns like ‘Twenty’s Plenty’ promote lower speed limits in residential areas. A movement towards enforcing lower speed limits to enhance safety and community well-being. Increased safety in residential areas, with more communities adopting lower speed limits as standard practice. Public demand for safer streets and a healthier urban environment. 4
Downsizing Vehicle Size Activism against SUVs highlights the environmental issues caused by larger vehicles. A cultural shift towards smaller, more efficient vehicles in response to environmental concerns. A significant reduction in SUV popularity, with a preference for compact and eco-friendly vehicles. Environmental awareness and public pressure on car manufacturers to produce sustainable options. 5
Access for Excluded Users Young people exploiting design flaws in Lime bikes indicates a demand for better access. Highlighting the need for more inclusive transport solutions that cater to all demographics. Transport systems will evolve to be more inclusive, ensuring equitable access regardless of age or economic status. A societal push towards inclusivity and equal access in public services. 4
Free Public Transport Initiatives Cities like Tallinn and Luxembourg are providing free public transport, enhancing accessibility. Transitioning from paid to free public transport systems to promote equity and access. Widespread adoption of free public transport, significantly increasing social and economic participation. A growing emphasis on social equity and the need to support low-income populations. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Environmental Crisis Escalation The shift from global warming to global boiling indicates an urgent need for effective climate action. 5
Wealth Inequality Growth The current wealth inequality crisis could lead to increased social unrest and diminished trust in institutions. 4
Transport System Inequity The exclusion of low-income individuals from accessible transport options perpetuates social and economic disparities. 4
Public Health and Safety Risks Increased SUV usage contributes to higher carbon emissions and poses risks to public health and road safety. 4
Design Flaws in Transportation Technology Design issues like those seen in Lime bikes highlight vulnerabilities that can lead to misuse and inequitable access. 3
Funding and Gratification Gaps Current public transport funding models that exclude low-income users may hinder broader social participation. 4
Crisis of Faith in Governance Erosion of public trust in government effectiveness could lead to disengagement from civic initiatives and policies. 4
Insufficient Advocacy for Accessible Transport Lack of campaigns for affordable transport may impede efforts toward social equity and environmental benefits. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Electrification of Transport A shift towards electrification, moving away from petrol vehicles to e-bikes and e-scooters, promoting reduced oil demand. 4
Advocacy for Slower Speeds Increasing acceptance and advocacy for lower speed limits in residential areas to enhance safety and wellbeing. 4
Promotion of Smaller Vehicles A growing movement against SUVs, promoting smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles to combat emissions. 5
Design for Inclusivity Addressing design flaws in transport systems that exclude certain demographics, emphasizing accessibility for all users. 4
Push for Free Public Transport A rising trend towards providing free access to public transport, enhancing social equity and access to opportunities. 5
Campaign for Affordable Transport Emerging campaigns advocating for affordable and accessible transport systems to improve economic participation and social equity. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Electrification of Transport Transitioning from petrol-powered vehicles to electric options, including e-bikes and e-scooters, to reduce oil demand. 5
Lower Speed Initiatives Campaigns promoting reduced speed limits in residential areas to enhance safety and sustainability. 4
Design Innovations for User Access Improving accessibility in transport systems for excluded users, such as young people, through design changes. 4
Free Public Transport Implementation of free public transport systems in cities to increase accessibility and social equity. 5
Environmental Impact Awareness Awareness and activism against the environmental impacts of large vehicles, particularly SUVs, promoting smaller, more efficient cars. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Electrification of Transport Transitioning from petrol-powered vehicles to electric alternatives, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters to reduce oil demand. 5
Speed Regulation Advocating for lower speed limits in residential areas to enhance safety and community acceptance. 4
Reduction of SUV Usage Addressing the environmental impact of SUVs and promoting the need for their regulation or ban. 5
Access to Transport Improving access to transport for excluded users, particularly the young and economically disadvantaged. 4
Free Public Transport Exploring the concept of free public transport as a means to enhance accessibility and improve social equity. 5
Affordable Transport Solutions The need for a transport system that is affordable and accessible to all, highlighting the economic and social benefits. 5
Environmental and Social Equity in Transport Addressing the intersection of transport policies with environmental sustainability and social equity. 5