SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY AND CARBON EMISSION MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES, POLICIES, AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

Urban areas in the 21st century face the dual challenge of achieving economic growth and mobility while maintaining climate stability. The transport sector accounts for approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union, with urban centers contributing disproportionately to these emissions. This study investigates strategies for the decarbonization of urban transport, focusing on vehicle electrification, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and the promotion of active mobility. A life cycle perspective highlights the environmental impact of vehicles, encompassing production, operational use, and end-of-life recycling. Furthermore, digitalization, including the implementation of Mobility as a Service (MaaS), and behavioral interventions such as nudging, enhance the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies. Case studies from Sofia and Burgas illustrate that sustainable urban mobility requires an integrated approach, combining technological innovation, regulatory measures, and behavioral change to foster healthier, low-carbon, and more accessible urban environments.