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 CO2 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.