Accounting for greenhouse gas emissions from traffic rearrangement: a network vulnerability perspective

Abstract

Paper aims: This study aims to accounting for greenhouse gas emissions from traffic rearrangement, using a network vulnerability framework. Originality: We present a new procedure to verify the effectiveness of accident risk as an attribute to find the most vulnerable links of a road network, estimating the amount emitted in the process. Research method: Vulnerability is measured by the variation in CO 2 equivalent emitted and total distance traveled, after changes in accessibility patterns. Main findings: To date, limited research exists on accounting for emissions from the perspective of vulnerability. Three scenarios of risk-level and traffic conditions were modeled. Results indicate that high levels of accidents exposure may increase emissions by 5.2% compared to a low-risk scenario, and 9.1% compared to an unabridged network scenario. Implications for theory and practice: The proposed framework could support governmental policies and urban planning to verify the impact of accessibility patterns in GHG emissions.