Green transport hierarchy

Green transport hierarchy is a way of thinking about how we can travel without harming the environment. The idea of the hierarchy is that we should choose the lowest level of transport whenever we can.

The lowest level is using your own energy to get around – like walking or cycling. These forms of transport don't use any fuel, so they don't create any pollution.

The next level up is public transport. This includes buses, trains, trams and ferries. These use little fuel compared to cars, so they create less pollution.

The highest level is private transport. This includes cars, vans, motorbikes and planes. These use the most fuel, so they create a lot of pollution.

So when you're thinking about how you can get somewhere, try to think about how you could use the lowest level of transport. Walking or cycling are better for the environment than taking a car. Taking a train or bus is better than a car. And if you have to use a car, see if you can car-share with someone else or use an electric or hybrid vehicle.