ClimateWorks Foundation

Sector Overview
Best Practice Network: Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
Best Practice Network: International Council on Clean Transportation

Sector Overview

The burning of fossil fuels in cars, trucks, ships, airplanes, and other modes of transport is currently responsible for about 20 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Transportation’s impact on the climate is projected to continue to grow alongside skyrocketing rates of vehicle ownership, especially in Asia. Annual production of new vehicles has already risen from 5 million in the 1940s to more than 70 million today. By 2030, the number of autos in China is projected to quintuple to 150 million; in India, a thirteen-fold increase is expected.

Two proven methods can rein in the growing emissions from transportation:

• Effective urban planning: By providing alternatives to driving—including effective mass transit, pedestrian-oriented developments, and safe bicycle paths—smart urban design can reduce the need for private vehicles. The benefits go beyond protecting the climate: Well-planned cities are better places to live, enjoy healthier economies, reduce air pollution and related health problems, and alleviate the multi-pronged threat of oil dependence.
• Strong fuel-economy standards: Cars and trucks needn’t be the major sources of emissions they are today. By enacting strong, national fuel-economy standards, countries with growing vehicle markets can slash pollution while addressing a critical economic and national security issue: over-dependence on foreign oil.

Institute for Transportation and Development Policy

The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) promotes sustainable, equitable transportation policies that offer alternatives to driving, reduce local air pollution, and limit carbon emissions. ITDP is ClimateWorks’ Best Practice Network for transportation systems.

Since 1985, ITDP has helped local officials around the world create high-quality, low-cost mass transit systems, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly cityscapes. ITDP also works on travel-demand policies, such as congestion pricing; transit-oriented development, which co-locates homes, stores, and offices; and bus rapid transit systems, which offer the speed, capacity, comfort, and convenience of metro systems—but at a fraction of the cost.

ITDP focuses on building local knowledge and skills while generating greater public awareness of sustainable transportation options. In partnership with municipalities and NGOs, ITDP offers tools, training, and technical assistance to the officials charged with making critical choices about urban design.

International Council on Clean Transportation

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) assists with the design, implementation, and enforcement of vehicle efficiency and fuel standards in the countries responsible for 80 percent of the global auto market. ICCT is ClimateWorks’ Best Practice Network for vehicles and fuels.

Within these countries, a small number of decision makers set rules for tailpipe emissions, vehicle efficiency, and fuel economy. The ICCT, which includes senior regulators from the auto industry’s leading nations, shares best practices with these policymakers, facilitates collaboration, and provides top-notch technical support. Since 2001, the ICCT has helped create smart vehicle and fuel standards in China, India, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. Its work to limit pollution also covers motorcycles, planes, ships, and other modes of transportation.