Sustainable transport can deliver savings of US$70 trillion, according to UN report

Greater investment in greener, more sustainable transport systems is essential for propelling the economic and social development that is required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, according to an expert panel report delivered to Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General.

The report, Mobilizing Sustainable Transport for Development, finds that global, national and local transport systems are hampered by inefficiencies and a lack of sustainable investments, and provides 10 recommendations on how governments, businesses and civil society should re-direct resources in the transport sector to advance sustainable development.

“Transport can build prosperity in the broadest sense, enhancing the quality of life for all while protecting the environment and fighting climate change,” said Martin Lundstedt, CEO of Volvo and co-chair of the High-Level Group. “We need bold innovation and a true partnership among governments, civil society and the private sector.”

The experts, members of the Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport, include representatives from aviation, road, rail, public transport and maritime industries and associations. The recommendations address issues of policy, technology and financing and grew out of the perspectives and practical experience of the panel.

The report found that a transformational change to sustainable transport could be realised through annual investments of around US$2 trillion. The investments could lead to fuel savings and lower operational costs, decreased congestion and reduced air pollution. Additionally, it is estimated that efforts to promote sustainable transport can deliver savings of up to US$70 trillion by 2050.

“Sustainable transport drives sustainable development,” said José Viegas, Secretary-General of the International Transport Forum. “It is fundamental to meeting the needs of people in their personal and economic lives, while maintaining the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Transport is not an end in itself. It is a means for access to jobs, markets, education, health services, cultural interaction and a whole range of other services and amenities that contribute to healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Focusing on important issues such as road safety, traffic congestion and climate impacts, the 10 specific actions include the establishment of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, the promotion of sustainable transport technologies and the increase of international development funding.

At present, the transport sector is responsible for approximately 23 percent of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and 3.5 million premature deaths result from outdoor air pollution annually, mostly in low and middle-income countries. About 10 to 15 percent of food is lost during processing, transport and storage given a lack of modern facilities, trucks, access to refrigeration, and poor roads. Over 1.2 million people are killed annually in road traffic accidents, causing in addition to human loss and suffering, billions of dollars of associated costs, which amount, in some countries, to 1-3 percent of GDP.

“Sustainable transport is crucial for the improvement in the quality of life of people both in cities and rural settings, at a national and international level,” stated Carolina Tohá, Mayor of Santiago and the other co-chair of the Group.