The environmental impact of high-speed rail
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Abstract
This chapter presents a comprehensive literature review aimed at examining the environmental impacts of high-speed rail (HSR). The findings are organized into two frameworks: one addressing the environmental impact of HSR operations and another addressing the lifetime environmental impact of HSR investments. These frameworks illustrate the factors influencing the environmental impact of HSR and the mechanisms through which HSR affects the environment. Approximately 50 % of the studies assessing the lifetime environmental impact and 15 % of those focusing on the environmental effects of HSR operations conclude that the overall environmental impact of HSR is not positive. This is noteworthy since rail travel typically generates lower emissions per passenger kilometer than other transport modes, and policy-makers often consider HSR an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Furthermore, HSR's environmental impact varies considerably based on several factors, including the economic and industrial characteristics of regions connected by HSR and the specific attributes of their existing transport systems. However, the review does not show any clear trends regarding the nature (positive or negative) and magnitude of the environmental impact associated with these factors. It highlights the importance of conducting thorough environmental evaluations on a case-by-case basis when considering HSR investment due to its environmental advantages.