International Policy

Advocating for sustainable transport with global development institutions.

As economic growth and rapid urbanization place increasing pressure on transportation networks worldwide, traditional approaches — such as expanding road capacity and accommodating ever-growing car fleets — are proving unsustainable. The costs are staggering: air and noise pollution, traffic fatalities, congestion, social inequality, and escalating climate impacts. For policymakers, the message is clear: continuing business as usual is not an option.

Transportation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Without decisive action, the sector will undermine progress toward climate goals set under the Paris Agreement and reaffirmed at successive COP conferences. While these agreements have been milestones, they remain largely non-binding. More substantial national commitments, especially in transport, are essential to meet global climate targets and protect public health. ITDP works at the intersection of climate and transport policy to ensure that global institutions, development banks, and national governments prioritize socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable mobility. Our approach includes three critical tracks:

1. Developing robust tools to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of transportation investments and policies, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
2. Shifting funding priorities within global organizations and development banks towards scaling sustainable transport and integrated urban development, ensuring resources flow where they create the greatest impact.
3. Influencing national policy and institutional frameworks to accelerate the scale-up of sustainable transport solutions, from high-capacity transit to active mobility infrastructure.

For policymakers, the opportunity is urgent and transformative: investing in sustainable transport not only advances climate commitments but also delivers cleaner air, safer streets, economic resilience, and equitable access to opportunity. ITDP continues to be part of the conversation at major climate events, such as UNFCCC COP conferences and Climate Weeks, as well as high-level sectoral convenings, such as Transforming Transportation and the International Transport Forum.