Accelerating zero-emission mobility transformations
Cities are eliminating transportation emissions while creating safer, healthier streets
Transportation accounts for a third of greenhouse gas emissions in C40 cities. It’s also the main source of urban air pollution, causing up to a quarter of particulate matter in city air. Cities are facing increasing congestion, costing economies nearly 1% of GDP. Additionally, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29.
Cities shape mobility through street layouts, public transport, and the vehicles they purchase. By expanding cycling and walking routes, adding zero-emission buses, and setting up low-emission zones, mayors can cut pollution while making streets safer and transportation more reliable.
The C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator unites 35 cities. They have committed to buying only zero-emission buses starting in 2025 and to making major city areas zero-emission by 2030. This plan aims to eliminate transportation emissions and create streets that prioritise health, safety, and accessibility.
Key achievements in the Accelerator so far:
- 16 signatory cities are procuring only zero-emission buses
- More than 13,500 zero-emission buses have been deployed across signatory cities since joining
- 15 signatory cities have policies regulating high-polluting vehicles
- 10 cities taking steps toward zero-emission area implementation
Why cities are creating zero-emission mobility systems
Transportation offers a fast path to cutting urban emissions
Transportation accounts for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions from C40 cities, representing one of the largest and most controllable sources of urban emissions. Cities can reduce emissions through vehicle electrification, mode shift policies, and zero-emission zones.
Traffic congestion costs cities almost 1% of GDP annually
Traffic congestion costs nearly 1% of GDP in major economies through lost time and higher transportation costs. By improving public transport, building cycling networks, and managing traffic better, cities can cut these losses and keep people moving more efficiently.
Air pollution from traffic threatens public health and increases healthcare costs
Traffic is the biggest source of urban air pollution, contributing up to one-quarter of the particulate matter that causes respiratory illness and premature deaths. Cities that reduce vehicle emissions can lower healthcare costs while protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Green streets create safer, more equitable access to mobility and opportunity
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29, with vulnerable road users most at risk[1]. People-friendly streets with protected infrastructure provide affordable mobility options. These connect all residents to jobs, education, and services while reducing pollution exposure in marginalised communities and strengthening neighbourhood social connections.
What cities commit to through the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator
Cities that join the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator commit to transforming urban mobility through zero-emission transportation and people-friendly street design.
Commitment 1: Procure only zero-emission buses from 2025
Cities will only procure zero-emission buses from 2025, transitioning public transport fleets to eliminate emissions from mass transit systems.
Commitment 2: Ensure a major area is zero-emission by 2030
Cities will establish a major area of their city as zero-emission by 2030, creating car-free or low-emission zones that prioritise walking, cycling, and clean public transport.
Cities committed to the Green and Healthy Streets:
Amsterdam, Auckland, Austin, Barcelona, Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Heidelberg, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Medellín, Mexico City, Milan, Oslo, Paris, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Rotterdam, Santiago, Seattle, Seoul, Tokyo, Vancouver, Warsaw, Birmingham, Honolulu, Liverpool, Oxford, Greater Manchester, Santa Monica, West Hollywood
How cities will deliver these commitments:
Cities plan to change urban mobility by adopting people-focused planning, improving access to walking, cycling, and public transport, cutting back polluting vehicles, and switching city fleets to zero-emission models. They will also work with businesses to speed up the shift from polluting vehicles to clean transportation and publish progress updates every two years.
Questions about the Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator?
Contact transportteam@c40.org for information on commitment requirements, implementation strategies, and participating cities.
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Related
The cities with the most successful transport strategies prioritise people-friendly streets over space for cars. Cities have the ability to build a future where the majority of people travel on foot, by bike or by shared transport, and make sure that remaining vehicle trips are made using zero emission vehicles.
Urban planning measures are critical for cities to be able to deliver on their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and reduce their vulnerability to climate hazards. C40’s Urban Planning work supports cities to develop, implement and share planning strategies and regulations that set a framework for sustainable and equitable urban growth.
Discover how mayors and cities worldwide are delivering on their commitments to take urgent climate action through C40’s High-Impact Accelerators.
