Movement of people, services, and goods is essential to a thriving city. Current transportation options often force a one-size-fits-all solution for that mobility: cars and trucks, and the streets designed to serve them. Carbon-free cities can provide more efficient and economic options that are tailored to different transportation needs—with no emissions—and that create vibrant urban spaces.
Replace city-owned fossil-fuel vehicles (e.g., automobiles, light- and heavy-duty trucks, public buses, police vehicles) with vehicles that fully or partially run on electricity, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Develop policies that limit internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in city centers, penalize “dirtier” vehicles more for driving or parking in the city, and develop long-term plans to ban diesel vehicles and ultimately all ICE vehicles in cities.
Reduce urban freight emissions through various regulatory and voluntary programs, including mandatory freight emissions standards, designated truck routes, stopping and standing laws, and off-peak delivery programs.
Expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by directly installing public charging stations and/or incentivizing the private sector to do so.
We intend to cut the city’s carbon emissions by 36% in 2020 and 95% by 2030. Zero emission cars, machinery, and public transportation are fundamental for our success. Today 40% of all new cars sold in Oslo are fully electric.
‐Lan Marie Nguyen Berg, Vice Mayor for Environment and Transport, City of Oslo
Eliminate cars from high-density districts by creating car-free pedestrian zones, limiting vehicles on certain days of the week, and implementing congestion pricing.
Introduce mobility alternatives to high-density areas to reduce single-occupancy vehicle traffic and enhance movement throughout the city, including bikeshare programs, expanded public transit, cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly streets, and integration between transit options.
Rapidly deploy public transit solutions such as bus rapid transit (BRT) or light rail to city hot spots, which could be areas with high congestion, populous areas with currently limited access to public transit, or areas with issues that increase single-occupancy vehicle
(SOV) use within the city.
BRT corridors in Rio de Janeiro reduced travel time and provided greater accessibility to public transit riders.
‐Marcos Tognozzi, BRT Coordinator, City of Rio de Janeiro
Transitioning buildings toward net-zero energy makes buildings healthier and more comfortable, and smart approaches to retrofitting and new construction can create an economic boon for the city.
Leading cities are transforming electricity generation to carbon-free renewable energy by first committing to bold 100% renewable energy targets, then implementing comprehensive action plans.
Industry is a major employer and economic driver in many global cities, significantly shaping a city’s carbon emissions. Strategic partnerships with corporate residents can achieve economic and environmental solutions that benefit everyone.
Cities can shift the flow and management of their biological resources to reduce emissions, capture carbon, and provide numerous other benefits to a city.
Cities have an important role to play creating or expanding financing options and improving access to such financing.
City leaders and sustainability officers: take action today to put your city on a pathway to zero-carbon.
