Decarbonising transport could improve overall population health, reduce health system costs, and reduce health inequities for Māori, according to a modelling study of two transport pathways developed by the New Zealand Climate Change Commission. The behaviour pathway included reduced driving, increased cycling and use of public transport, and light vehicle electrification, while the technology pathway focused on vehicle electrification. Changes in health effects through the pathways of physical activity, air pollution and injury were simulated for the New Zealand population from 2018 to 2050, including impacts for Māori. While both pathways showed improvements in population health, reduced health system costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, health gains were substantially larger in the behaviour pathway. Health gains were 20-30% larger for Māori than non-Māori in both pathways, although a greater effect was noted in the behaviour pathway. Assumptions about equity of the implemented pathway influenced health gains for both Māori and non-Māori.
