Travel patterns and environmental effects now and in the future: implications of differences in energy consumption among socio-economic groups

Travel patterns among different socio-economic groups in Sweden are investi gated. It is shown that elderly persons, persons with low incomes and women in general do not travel extensively. Middle-aged persons, persons with hi gh incomes and men travel much farther. Cars are the dominant transportatio n mode for all population groups. Aeroplanes are used mostly by high-income earners and men, while public transportation is mostly used by young peopl e and women. Energy consumption for the different travel patterns differs s ubstantially. Men with high incomes consume the most energy, with 94 000 MJ during one year, while elderly women consume 12 000 MJ. When compared to a calculated sustainable level of energy consumption for travel, most popula tion groups are in excess. The level for sustainable energy consumption is calculated based on an assumed global potential for renewable energy of 360 EJ per year, divided equally among the global population. A certain share of this energy potential is supposed to be used for travelling. A scenario for 2020 is presented in which vehicle energy efficiency has increased and travel patterns have changed from what they are today. Sustainability can o nly be reached when both travel patterns and vehicle technology have change d radically. Differences in energy consumption for travel due to age and ge nder are likely to remain in the future. Scientific knowledge from the soci al domains seems to be important for devising efficient strategies for a su stainable society. Current focus on policy measures has been mainly on tech nical issues. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.