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Environmental Impact Evaluation as a Key Element in Ensuring Sustainable Development of Rail Transport

Author

Listed:
  • Julia Milewicz

    (Institute of Transport, Poznan University of Technology, 61-138 Poznań, Poland)

  • Daniel Mokrzan

    (Institute of Transport, Poznan University of Technology, 61-138 Poznań, Poland)

  • Grzegorz M. Szymański

    (Institute of Transport, Poznan University of Technology, 61-138 Poznań, Poland)

Abstract

The development of railways stands as a pivotal milestone in the history of transportation, transforming the world and revolutionising the movement of people and goods. From their humble beginnings as rudimentary track systems to the sophisticated and interconnected networks we witness today, railways have played a crucial role in fostering economic growth, promoting globalisation, and shaping modern societies. Moreover, as the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate climate change and transition to sustainable modes of transportation, the role of railways has gained significant attention. Railways have long been recognised as one of the most environmentally friendly means of mass transit, offering lower carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and reduced congestion compared to other transportation modes. However, there are still many challenges to overcome to provide continuous sustainability in the context of environmental impacts, especially related to wildlife and habitat protection. This scientific paper aims to explore the concept of sustainability in the context of railways, providing a comprehensive analysis of their environmental influences. As a result, the authors present a complex analysis of the topic, combining different perspectives—ecological, engineering, and legislative. They present methods of reducing noise pollution—constructional and legal ways; emission pollution reduction associated with combustion engines; and innovative analysis of limiting the impact of transportation on natural habitats and forest animal populations, which is not yet sufficiently elaborated scientifically in the literature. By examining key strategies, technologies, and policy frameworks, this research sheds light on the challenges and opportunities related to sustainability within the railway industry around the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Milewicz & Daniel Mokrzan & Grzegorz M. Szymański, 2023. "Environmental Impact Evaluation as a Key Element in Ensuring Sustainable Development of Rail Transport," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13754-:d:1240270
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Levinson, David M., 2012. "Accessibility impacts of high-speed rail," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 288-291.
    2. Ilaria Henke & Armando Cartenì & Clorinda Molitierno & Assunta Errico, 2020. "Decision-Making in the Transport Sector: A Sustainable Evaluation Method for Road Infrastructure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Pomykała, Agata & Engelhardt, Juliusz, 2023. "Concepts of construction of high-speed rail in Poland in context to the European high-speed rail networks," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    4. Henrike Rau & Joachim Scheiner, 2020. "Sustainable Mobility: Interdisciplinary Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-6, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Libor Ižvolt & Peter Dobeš & Zuzana Papánová & Martin Mečár, 2024. "Experimental Monitoring of Dynamic Parameters of the Sub-Ballast Layers as a Prerequisite for a High-Quality and Sustainable Railway Line," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Marinella Giunta, 2023. "Trends and Challenges in Railway Sustainability: The State of the Art regarding Measures, Strategies, and Assessment Tools," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-19, December.
    3. Vytautas Grigonis & Mantas Kaušylas & Vytautas Palevičius, 2025. "Advancing Sustainable Interoperability Between Standard and Broad-Gauge Railway Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-15, September.

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