ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines global environmental aspects that should be considered by national transport policies aiming at sustainability. It illustrates what 'environmental unsustainability' means in relation to transport. The book presents an analytical description of the changes of stated Danish, Dutch and Swedish transport policies in 1987-1997. It explores a comparative analysis of the stated transport policies of Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden. The book discusses the relationship between the national transport policies of the three countries and European transport policy. It provides some suggestions for national policy options in the near future. A policy for transport systems which are sustainable in the long term is an essential element of any attempt to create favourable global preconditions for what is called 'sustainable development' in the terms of the Brundtland Commission.
