Urban Mobility

As populations continue to grow in urban areas, so does mobility which is rapidly becoming one of the greatest challenges facing developed and developing countries alike. Challenges are not limited to increased emissions, but also include rising concerns about transport pollution’s impact on citizens’ quality of life and health and rising social inequities.

Globally, the transport sector is the fastest-growing greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sector and has the highest reliance on fossil fuels: 95 per cent of the world's transport energy still comes from fossil fuels. Decarbonizing the transport sector will thus require a shift away from fossil fuels. In the last 20 years, electric vehicles have experienced significant technological developments that have lowered costs, have reduced vehicles’ environmental footprint, and increased their utility. However, electric vehicles will need to displace fossil-fuel powered passenger vehicles by 2035-2050 to remain in line with 1.5 C consistent pathway (IPCC 2018).

To achieve a cleaner and more efficient transport sector, several changes must be made at the urban-level worldwide: better-designed cities; safe and comfortable walking and cycling facilities; better-connected public transport; and cleaner and more efficient on-road fleets, including electric vehicles.

UNEP is actively contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future in the transport sector in cities. Our focus includes decarbonizing transport, promoting active mobility, embracing digitalization, advancing electric mobility, regulating used vehicles, and advocating for clean fuels and vehicles:

1. Active Mobility - Share the Road Initiative : Active mobility, including walking and cycling, is crucial to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Share the Road initiative, a global leader in this space, advocates for systematic investment in walking and cycling as sustainable solutions to global transport challenges. It supports the development of policies and provides technical assistance to prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups.
2. Digitalization of Mobility : Digital technologies play a vital role in reducing emissions in the mobility sector. Our digitalization project in Latin America aims to apply low carbon transport strategies, fostering innovation and digital-driven solutions in urban transport. The project, concluding in 2029, intends to accelerate Accelerate-Shift-Improve strategies, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Electric Mobility : With a dedicated program operational globally, our Electric Mobility Programme focuses on overcoming barriers to electric vehicle adoption. It is a collaborative effort with international organizations, private sector partners, and academia, aiming to support the shift to electric mobility, especially in low and middle-income countries.
4. Used Vehicles : UNEP is actively regulating the export and import of used vehicles, ensuring they meet harmonized minimum quality standards. This initiative addresses the potential negative impacts of unsafe and polluting used vehicles being imported in low- and middle-income countries.
5. Clean Fuels and Vehicles : Recognizing that cities contribute significantly to CO2 emissions, UNEP is working on global programs to reduce emissions and pollution from fuels and vehicles. The Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) targets doubling the efficiency of the global vehicle fleet by 2050, supporting the shift to more energy-efficient vehicles. The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) collaborates with countries worldwide to eliminate lead in petrol and transition to low and ultra-low sulfur fuels and stringent vehicle emissions standards.