Where we will solve this challenge
Check out the map to see all the cities that face similar challenges in this area!
How do we make mobility more sustainable?
Until now, the transport sector has been the most resistant to reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, cities are key in tackling this challenge as they are faced with the mobility trilemma of clean air, carbon, and congestion whilst facing ever increasing demands to move people and goods around
The present mix of transport modes and fuels is not sustainable. Society now has the challenge to build a sustainable, clean, accessible, integrated mobility system which contributes to our quality of life. Sustainable urban mobility can meet Europe’s need for mobility and simultaneously deliver public health benefits, including less noise and air pollution and fewer accidents. A switch to active mobility modes such as cycling and walking can help with health problems such as obesity, mental health and cardiovascular diseases.
The transport sector is a major contributor to GHG emissions and is responsible for approximately a quarter of total energy-related CO2 emissions. The continuing growth in GHG emissions happens despite more efficient vehicles and policies being adopted.
Cities are the main drivers of global mobility demand because of direct passenger transport activity within and among urban areas as well as indirectly through the freight activity needed to meet the demand for goods of city residents. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), urban transport activities account for about 40 percent of total transport energy use and total well-to-wheel GHG emissions.
The primary actions in climate mitigation could be the following:
- Avoid the need to travel and the trip length by encouraging compact cities and mixed land use.
- Reduce the use of privately owned cars, shifting towards more sustainable modes of transports. A shift from personal transport to public transport, walking and cycling is vital to achieve a Two Degree Scenario in transport.