Analyzing the influence of urban mobility on transport-related carbon dioxide emissions in Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines | |
| Author | Dalde, Maricel Cultura |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.UI-25-01 |
| Subject(s) | Urban transportation--Phillippines Transportation--Energy consumption--Phillippines Carbon dioxide mitigation |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Innovation and Sustainability |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Transport-related CO₂ emissions are a major contributor to climate change, with urban areas playing a crucial role in both their generation and mitigation. The continued rise in these emissions is primarily driven by increasing demand for urban mobility, resulting from continuous population growth and urban expansion. As cities become more populated, the demand for land increases, directing to the outward spread of urban areas. This expansion often increases travel distances and fosters greater reliance on private vehicles, particularly in areas where public transportation infrastructure is limited or underdeveloped. Consequently, these patterns contribute to higher levels of fuel consumption and transport-related CO₂ emissions. Thus, it is essential to understand the interactions between urban mobility and transport-related CO₂ emissions to effectively mitigate climate change. This study employed an empirical approach to examine the influence of urban mobility on transport-related CO₂ emissions. First, an origin and destination survey were conducted to gather data the respondents’ the socio-economic information, their travel behavior, and individual transport-related CO₂ emissions. Second, the relationship between travel behavior and emissions was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Third, spatial analysis techniques were applied to examine the urban form characteristics. Fourth, the effects of urban form and socio-economic aspects on CO₂ emissions, with travel behavior acting as a mediating factor, were investigated using structural equation modeling. Based on the results, a list of mitigation strategies to reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions was developed. Finally, these strategies were evaluated by experts through multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to determine the most effective measures for promoting sustainable urban mobility. The findings indicate that longer travel distances, frequent trips, private vehicle usage, and household income are key contributors to transport-related CO₂ emissions. In contrast, increased reliance on public transportation and electric vehicles is linked to lower emissions. While urban form directly impacts emissions, its indirect effect through travel behavior is minimal. Socio-economic factors do not directly affect emissions but significantly influence travel behavior, which in turn contributes to emissions. Mitigation strategies include modernizing public transit, enhancing non motorized infrastructure, implementing green, land-use mix and transit-oriented development strategies, and adopting online services to reduce travel distances, trip frequency, and car dependence. This research enhances the broader knowledge of sustainable urban mobility by highlighting that reducing transport-related CO₂ emissions is not merely a technical challenge, but a complex issue influenced by socio economic factors, travel behavior, and urban form. It underscores the necessity of an integrated approach that combines urban planning, transport policy, socio-economic interventions, and behavioral incentives to effectively mitigate CO₂ emissions. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sharma, Deepak;Sarawut Ninsawat |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Cagayan de Oro (USTP-CDO);AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |