Carbon-Negative Commuting: Integrating Urban Design, Behavior, and Technology for Climate-Positive Mobility

Commuting contributes substantially to urban greenhouse gas emissions and represents a critical focus for climate mitigation efforts. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of commuting-related carbon dioxide emissions by analyzing the influence of urban form, socio-economic attributes, and individual behaviors. It reviews analytical approaches including structural equation modeling, multi-objective optimization, and agent-based simulations that have been employed to understand and mitigate emissions. Building on these insights, the paper develops a conceptual framework for carbon-negative commuting that integrates spatial planning, behavioral interventions, technological innovations, and carbon offsetting strategies. Case studies from diverse global contexts illustrate both the feasibility and challenges of implementing these interventions. The discussion highlights key trade-offs, equity considerations, and governance barriers while identifying co-benefits such as improved public health and urban resilience. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research and adaptive policymaking to operationalize carbon-negative commuting and align urban mobility systems with global decarbonization goals.