TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
OECD International Conference, Vancouver Canada

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Session 3a - Industry and the Global Economy - Trade-Related Challenges

Abstract of address by Tom Hart

Longer-Distance Movement : A Global View

A 'trade' perspective needs to be replaced by a perspective looking at the implications of sustainability for the longer-distance movement of both goods and passengers - passenger movement has experienced particularly high growth.

Taking reductions in the use of non-renewable resources as the principal criterion for sustainability, how is this likely to affect longer-distance movement? The paper suggests that the tension between a pro-mobility liberalising approach and planning to reduce movement can be resolved through the international application of appropriate fiscal and pricing frameworks to transport. These can allow extra movement while also cutting the use within transport of non-renewable resources.

Speculations on the outcome of such a framework confirm the possibility of continuing, though re-structured, growth in movement. Revised estimates of Regional Products point to some slackening of economic growth rates within sustainable criteria. However, savings of non-renewable resources within localised transport (below 100 miles) and in other sectors of the economy suggest that considerable expansion of longer-distance passenger movement by air and related rail services will be possible within likely sustainable scenarios. The low resource costs and improving quality of water transport will facilitate the further expansion of general merchandise world shipping though decline in bulk shipping is to be expected.

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