The iConnect (Impact of COnstructing Non-motorised Networks and Evaluating Changes in Travel) study aims to measure and evaluate the changes in travel, physical activity and carbon emissions related to Sustrans' Connect2 programme, which is an ambitious UK-wide project that will transform local travel in 79 communities by creating new crossings and bridges to overcome barriers such as busy roads, rivers and railways, giving people easier and healthier access to their schools, shops, parks and countryside.

"The increasing global prevalence of overweight and obesity has serious implications for the environment, as well as for health. We estimate the impact on greenhouse gas emissions of increases in the population distribution of body mass index (BMI). Compared with a normal population distribution of BMI, a population with 40% obese requires 19% more food energy for its total energy expenditure. Greenhouse gas emissions from food production and car travel due to increases in adiposity in a population of 1 billion are estimated to be between 0.4 Giga tonnes (GT) and 1.0 GT of carbon dioxide equivalents per year."

The Healthy Weight for Children Hub is an interactive information network designed to improve access to the latest available evidence and best practice in the South West. The main aims of the Hub are to: * raise awareness and promote healthy weight in children * bring people together to share experiences and enable discussion * provide timely and relevant resources and information. The site includes a searchable database of healthy weight initiatives and research, a discussion forum, links to useful resources, information for parents and guidance on evaluating interventions, as well as the latest news and events.

Professor Ian Roberts from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine points to the impact of oil prices on incidence of pedestrian injury, and talks of traffic, children and sewage. A founding member of the Climate and Health Council, he explains their plans for a report on the health benefits of climate change policies - an important omission from the Stern Review.

"This guidance offers the first national, evidence-based recommendations on how to improve the physical environment to encourage physical activity. It demonstrates the importance of such improvements and the need to evaluate how they impact on the public's health." Although not explicitly stated, this guidance could also support reduction in transport emissions through promotion of active travel.