The February edition of the Sustainable Futures Seminar will take place online and will feature Luana Scrivano, who will present on 'Active Mobility and Mental Health: A Scoping Review towards a Healthier and Greener World' and Dr Christopher Walsh whose presentation is about 'Creating Momentum for Climate Action in Devolved Governments'. Sign up on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sustainable-futures-seminar-active-mobility-climate-action-tickets-1130380250759?aff=oddtdtcreator
Get to know our speakers:
Luana Scrivano is a Clinical Psychologist, a PhD candidate at the University of Bologna, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Manchester. Her research focuses on the relationship between active mobility (walking and cycling for transportation) and mental health, exploring how engaging in active mobility can improve mental health outcomes alongside its established physical health benefits. Luana's interdisciplinary approach blends public health, psychology, and sustainable transport systems to promote healthier lifestyles and integrate active mobility into public health strategies. Beyond her academic work, she is an empowerment advocate, using her platform as a content creator on Instagram (@luanaempowerment) and delivering empowering talks at academic and sports events. She encourages individuals to live their best lives and cultivate habits that promote well-being. Luana is committed to fostering evidence-based solutions that support the development of healthier, more active, and sustainable communities and environments.
Dr Cristopher Walsh is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at The University of Manchester. Chris has a background in climate modelling (with a particular focus on agriculture) and policy implications. His previous work was focused on building governance frameworks for sustainable bioenergy development in Malawi. He is particularly interested in the science-policy interface and implications for sustainable development in the Global South.
Abstracts:
Active Mobility and Mental Health: A Scoping Review towards a Healthier and Greener World
Research has proven that engaging in active mobility (AM), namely walking and cycling for transportation, significantly enhances physical activity levels, leading to better physical health. It is still unclear whether AM could also offer any mental health benefits. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge on the relationship between AM and mental health, given its crucial role in public health. The authors searched online databases to isolate primary studies written in English involving an adult sample (16 or over). AM was the exposure factor. Many mental health elements were included as outcomes (depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-efficacy, stress, psychological and subjective well-being, resilience, loneliness and social support, quality of life, mood, life satisfaction and sleep). The results were organised in a narrative summary per each outcome selected, graphical syntheses and an overview of gaps to be further examined. The authors identified a total of 55 papers as relevant. The results show inconsistency in study designs, definition and operationalisation of the variables, approach and methodologies used. A cross-sectional design was the dominant choice, primarily examining data from national public health surveys. Nonetheless, there has been improvement in outcomes of interests, initially mainly the quality of life and affect. Lately, authors have focused on a broader range of mental health-related factors (such as travel satisfaction). The experimental studies showed promising mental health improvements in those who used active modes more than those who used motorised vehicles. It creates a rationale for further research towards implementing a unified theoretical and methodological framework to study the link between AM and mental health. The ultimate goal is to generate solid conclusions that could support building societies and cities through public health promotion and sustainable strategies, like walking and cycling as a means of transport.
Creating Momentum for Climate Action in Devolved Governments
This seminar focuses on two UK combined authorities—Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater London Authority—and the key priorities and strategies that can help boost climate efforts at a local level. The research uses insights from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) Carbon and Co-benefits Tool, developed in partnership with working groups from these authorities and other local councils. It highlights key target areas to create momentum including: turning big climate targets into clear internal goals, a focus on co-benefits (like health and economic gains), using tried-and-tested tools and more. This seminar will offer practical insights and recommendations to help local authorities and those that work with them to step up their climate efforts and make a bigger impact.
