Tag: Mobility Management

Cities around the world are developing innovative projects to improve mobility. These projects are making cities more environmentally-friendly, more inclusive, and more people-centric, while addressing the twin challenges of growing urbanisation and intensifying climate change. 

More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas (by 2050 this number is expected to rise to two thirds) and cities are responsible for more than 70 percent of global energy related carbon dioxide emissions.

According to new data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 80% of urban citizens are regularly exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the WHO limits, causing more than 3 million premature deaths worldwide every year. This periodic survey of 3,000 cities in 103 countries found that urban populations in low-income countries are most affected.

Whilst the findings are alarming, the good news is that cities are taking major strides to tackle air pollution challenges. Here are five ways that C40 mayors are taking action to deliver cleaner air, improve public health and reduce the risks of climate change. 

The Federal Metropolitan Commission of the Megalopolis in Mexico City recently ordered more than 2 million cars to remain at home each day to help tackle the air pollution crisis in the city. High levels of air pollution affecting Mexico City since mid March 2016 have led the authorities to declare the first pollution emergency in more than a decade. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that levels of ozone in the air should not exceed 100 micrograms per cubic metre. These limits had been breached several times in recent weeks, however. Once levels of ozone in the city were measured at 160 micrograms per cubic metre, the Environmental Commission issued an emergency order. 

At the start of December 2015, all eyes were on Paris for the COP21 climate negotiations, regarded by many as a pivotal moment in determining global climate action. C40 was fortunate to be there on the ground to help showcase innovative and effective climate actions taking place in the world’s cities. Through a series of fantastic events at Paris City Hall, Le Bourget and other iconic locations around the city, mayors from around the world gathered to celebrate successful projects and plans, share their stories and knowledge, voice their ideas, and establish opportunities for action over the next 5 years and beyond.