Transport also causes ill-health from noise, environmental degradation, stress and a host of diseases associated with physical inactivity (including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia and bowel and breast cancers) [6].

Transportation affects humans through a complex intersection of health, environment, and social equity. In 2026, the negative impacts are well-documented: vehicle emissions contribute to approximately 4.2 million premature deaths globally each year due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Noise pollution from highways and flight paths has been linked to delayed reading ages in children and chronic stress in adults. Conversely, transportation is the lifeblood of modern society, providing access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. The shift toward "Active Transport"—walking and cycling—is a major 2026 health trend aimed at reducing high obesity rates and improving mental well-being. However, urban sprawl and "automobile-oriented" planning often create barriers for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with disabilities. As the sector accounts for one-third of global CO2​ emissions, the transition to sustainable transport is not just an environmental necessity but a direct intervention to improve human longevity and the quality of urban life.