World could save 700 mil tonnes of CO2 if people cycled more, study says

"Going Dutch" and cycling 2.6km daily like people do in the Netherlands would save 686 million tonnes, and bring with it associated health benefits due to more exercise and improved air quality. Photo: AFP

The world would save nearly 700 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year – more than Canada's annual emissions – if every person adopted the Dutch way of life and cycled on a daily basis, new research showed on Aug 18.

The transport sector currently accounts for a quarter of all fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions, which are warming the planet.