Startling News from the World of Science: Walking and Cycling are Good for You

As part of the Lancet's six-part series on the "health dividend" of combating climate change, one paper reports the health benefits of walking and cycling, and argues for increased public policy support for these modes over motor vehicles.

"Pedestrians and cyclists should be made king of the urban jungle, according to an international study showing the big benefits of 'mass active travel.' It suggests money should be diverted way from roads to make walking and cycling 'the most direct, convenient, and pleasant options for most urban trips.' Pedestrians and bikers should also get 'priority' over cars and trucks at intersections."

Other health-related issues explored in the issues include replacing tens of millions of polluting indoor stoves in India with high-efficiency units, and "decarbonizing" electricity to reduce particulate air pollutants.