Building healthier cities through zero emission transport
Keeping people and goods moving while protecting health and cleaning the air
Nine out of ten people around the world breathe unhealthy air every day. In most cities, traffic is the number one source of that pollution, making millions sick and driving a third of city emissions.[1]
Cities are uniquely placed to change this. Mayors have direct influence over how people move through decisions on bus procurement, street design, parking policies, charging infrastructure, and more.
We’re helping cities take bold steps to cut pollution and protect people’s health. The shift to zero emission vehicles is essential to halve fossil fuel use by 2030, alongside making walking, cycling, and public transport work for daily life.
Through C40’s transport work, cities gain access to the policies, data and peer support needed to accelerate this shift.
Cleaner transport is essential to protect people’s health and shift cities away from fossil fuel use.
Creating climate-friendly transport solutions that keep cities moving
Cities understand the complexities of balancing their transport needs while transitioning away from fossil fuels. This approach requires solutions that:
Keep people and goods moving
Reliable mobility is non-negotiable for helping daily life and local economies thrive.
Cut pollution fast
Transport accounts for nearly a third of city emissions. Changing urban transport options has a major positive effect on reducing greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.
Make streets fairer and safer
Cleaner transport lets cities redesign movement to reconnect communities and include those most harmed by pollution in decision-making.
Stay affordable and practical
Solutions must be the easy, obvious choice for everyone, from families who rely on daily transit to small businesses that keep cities running.
Build resilience for the future
Zero emission transport systems protect cities from fuel shocks, supply chain risks, volatile prices, and climate disasters.
Cities are proving that this transformation is possible. They reimagine congested roads as safe cycling paths and roll out fleets of zero emission buses. Cities show that cleaner air, safer streets, and thriving communities can be built together.
Transform your city’s transport approach
C40’s transport teams work with cities and mayors to make public transport, walking, and cycling the preferred option; incentivise zero emission vehicles on city streets; and promote zero emission alternatives to end reliance on petrol and diesel.
Transport programmes
Technical support for zero emission policy implementation
Get implementation guidance and proven models from cities that have successfully transformed their transport systems.
Transport networks
Connect with cities delivering cleaner mobility solutions
Join cities sharing similar challenges and opportunities, from infrastructure improvements to advocacy efforts that prioritise affordable, accessible mobility.
Transport resources
Download reports and implementation guides
Access research reports and practical guides that help cities learn from successful transport policies and understand implementation approaches.
C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator
Learn about our accelerator
Cities in our C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator pledge to procure only zero emission buses from 2025 and ensure a major area of their city becomes zero emission by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will zero emission areas affect businesses and residents?
Zero emission areas are areas in a city with measures to cut toxic pollution from vehicles, promote active travel like walking, cycling and public transport, and prioritise people over cars. Cities design these areas to clean the air while keeping people safe and goods moving. Policies are phased with clear timelines, and many cities offer support for small businesses and residents to shift to cleaner vehicles or use public transport.
How can cities afford the transition to zero emission transport?
Cities are using innovative financing models to make the shift affordable. Many leverage public–private partnerships, green bonds, and international climate funds to invest in electric buses, charging infrastructure, and safe cycling networks. These investments often reduce long-term costs by cutting fuel use, healthcare expenses, and infrastructure maintenance.
How are cities making sure the transition is fair?
C40 cities prioritise walking, cycling, and affordable public transport so everyone benefits, not just those who can buy new vehicles. Cities also design policies to support low-income households and small businesses during the transition.
What happens if residents oppose transport changes?
Successful cities engage residents early in planning and demonstrate benefits through pilot projects. When people see cleaner air, safer streets, and better transport options, support typically grows over time.
How do cities handle delivery trucks and freight in zero emission zones?
Cities typically phase in freight restrictions gradually, starting with the most polluting vehicles. Many offer exemptions for essential services and work with businesses to transition to electric delivery vehicles or consolidate deliveries outside peak hours.
