In emerging economies, leveraging innovation to avoid a repeat of post-Depression mistakes in US transport policy

Topics from the Sustainability Summit panel on transport were brought up during Idea Storm on sustainability and development yesterday evening at Sloan, which featured discussion on leveraging the creative sector and social media to tackle infrastructure-related challenges both in quake-stricken Japan and less-developed countries. Particularly notable among facts cited to provide context was Joe's mention that the car has become the most popular present for newly-wed couples. Due largely to rising auto ownership and usage in China and other emerging economies, the transport sector is arguably the sector with the fastest growing rate of greenhouse gas emissions. At the event, participants were encouraged to adapt ideas they suggested for accelerating post-quake recovery in Japan to the development of more-sustainable alternatives to auto-centric transport in developing countries. Most ideas were rooted in mobile telecommunication and social media with the objective of maximizing outreach while minimizing cost.

How can we leverage innovation in information and communication technology to enhance mobility for households in developing countries and reduce the environmental impact of transport?

BMW Documentaries Presents: "How We'll Learn To Stop Worrying and Love the Future"

BMW Documentaries Presents: "How We'll Learn To Stop Worrying and Love the Future
Visions (albeit vague, being strong on principle yet weak on practice) of the future of transport according to prominent individuals in the transport sector, including Robin Chase of ZipCar and George Whitesides of Virgin Galactic

Featured in The Infrastructurist 24 February
The Morning Dig: BMW Takes On the Future of Transportation