Dr Catherine Conlon: Walking is a boon for public health and emissions reduction

Active travel has the potential not only to slash carbon emissions and air pollution but, critically, increase longevity and enhance physical and mental health

Notably, the research found no definitive association with walking speed. Getting your steps in — regardless of the pace at which you walked them — was the link to a lower risk of death. Picture: Andy Gibson

The agreement reached to finally apply limits on Ireland’s carbon emissions will have to be revised upwards if Ireland is to meet its obligations by 2030. 

The targets as they are set out project a cut of 43% only — a shortfall that must be bridged.