Why sustainable transport matters

As the world faces the pressing challenge of climate change, transportation continues to stand out as one of the largest contributors to global emissions, accounting for nearly a quarter of greenhouse gases. This sector’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels underscores the urgent need for a transformative shift towards sustainable mobility solutions.

Beyond reducing emissions, sustainable transport is essential for fostering greener cities, improving public health, and creating a resilient future for generations to come. The journey to cleaner, more efficient transport systems is not just an environmental necessity but a cornerstone of sustainable urban development worldwide.

Transport systems are essential to the way people live, work, and move around the globe, but they come with significant environmental costs. The sector’s reliance on fossil fuels, coupled with the rapid urbanisation and expansion of transportation networks, has exacerbated carbon emissions.

According to the UN, nearly 91 percent of the world’s transport energy still comes from oil, contributing to a rise in air pollution and environmental degradation. The move toward more sustainable transportation—whether through electrification, innovation in fuels like hydrogen, or the development of integrated, efficient systems—has never been more urgent.

However, moving away from fossil-fuel-dependent transport is not just about cutting emissions. It’s about rethinking how mobility works in the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Sustainable transport ensures a resilient, low-carbon future while also improving accessibility, public health, and urban liveability. It is essential for making cities cleaner, safer, and more equitable.

Innovation in Sustainable Transport

The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) provides a global framework for accelerating progress in this area. Moving forward, innovation will play a crucial role in reducing emissions. From electric vehicles (EVs) to hydrogen-powered trucks and buses, the transportation industry is witnessing a wave of innovative solutions aimed at decreasing its carbon footprint. Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, connected mobility services, and data-driven systems, holds great potential in optimising energy usage, reducing congestion, and improving efficiency.

In addition, countries around the world have committed to electrifying their transport fleets, developing mass transit infrastructure, and investing in renewable energy solutions to power these systems. The aim is to decarbonise urban transport, which is the fastest-growing source of emissions, and to improve access to clean, affordable, and efficient transport for people across the globe. The role of policy frameworks and financial support is also essential in enabling this transition, especially in developing countries where the challenges are more complex.

The Role of Sustainable Transport in Shaping Future Cities

The transition to sustainable transport has a profound impact on cities, shaping their future in terms of both environmental health and quality of life. Urban areas, where population density and transport demand are high, are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As cities continue to grow, integrating sustainable transport solutions like electric vehicles, green public transport networks, and smart mobility systems becomes crucial in reducing carbon footprints and improving air quality. A well-connected, low-emission transport system can alleviate urban congestion, lower noise pollution, and promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging walking and cycling. Additionally, sustainable mobility is closely tied to urban resilience, as it helps cities adapt to the challenges of climate change, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

The focus on clean, inclusive, and efficient transportation is central to building sustainable urban environments that are liveable, accessible, and resilient for all. Investing in these solutions not only supports the fight against climate change but also contributes to creating cities that are more equitable and adaptable to the future needs of their citizens.

In this context, Global Mobility Call 2025 will play a pivotal role in continuing the dialogue around sustainable mobility. Scheduled to take place in Madrid from 28 to 30 October 2025, this key event will bring together global leaders and innovators to discuss solutions, share best practices, and focus on the future of sustainable transport. Topics such as electrification, smart mobility, and the integration of renewable energy in transport will take centre stage, offering the opportunity to further push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable mobility.

As we look ahead to 2025, there is much work to be done, but the path to a more sustainable future is clear. The time for action is now, and the global conversation about sustainable mobility will continue to gain strength as the world works toward a greener, cleaner, and more connected future.