Transport plays a crucial role in society and in the economy, enabling access to jobs, services and people, while driving trade and tourism. However, it also brings significant socioeconomic, environmental and health challenges. In most countries, public policies at all levels do not deal with transport, health, environment, and urban planning issues holistically.
This is about to change thanks to the adoption of the first Pan-European Strategy on Transport, Health and Environment - the result of a vision that connects transport policies with health and environmental goals. The strategy, adopted today in Geneva at the 22nd session of the Steering Committee of the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP), lays out a road map for the transformation of transport systems by 2050, promoting sustainable urban mobility, cleaner technologies and climate resilience. This brings synergies with other UNECE initiatives, such as the Inland Transport Committee's Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport.
The strategy aims to:
- Recognize the positive role of transport
The strategy recognizes the transport sector as crucial to sustainable development, promoting health as well as the quality and livability of the environment. By working together, the transport, health and environment sectors can contribute significantly to improving people's lives.
- Adopt a holistic approach
National, regional and local authorities must address transport, health and environmental issues together, in order to develop integrated policies and frameworks. In some countries, financing mechanisms for public transport and infrastructure for walking and cycling are neither sustainable nor adequate. The adoption of a holistic approach will lead to more effective regulations, better budget allocations and improved living conditions.
- Allow for tailor-made solutions
The strategy recognizes the diverse realities across the region and calls for tailored solutions that include all stakeholders - Governments, communities, businesses and civil society - to build an inclusive, greener mobility.
- Support the shift to public transport and active mobility
The strategy aims to shift the modal split from the current car-dominated model towards increased public transport and active mobility (cycling and walking). These different modes will need to be treated equally across UNECE member States, with sustainable transport solutions being applied to rural and peri-urban areas. Cargo and freight transport will also become more sustainable. The approach to transport demand will promote proximity to services and enhance sustainable mobility through technology.
- Address air and noise pollution
Air pollution is a leading environmental risk to health, causing nearly 570,000 premature deaths in 53 countries of the region according to a 2023 World Health Organization publication. Over 90% of the region's population is exposed to harmful levels of air pollutants, with road transport being a major source of such pollutants through exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. Road transport accounts for about 25% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and is thus a key contributor to climate change.
The current shift towards vehicle electrification and fleet renewals will allow for the transition to cleaner mobility. At present, transport is the principal source of background noise pollution in urban areas in the region.
- Maximize health benefits
Active mobility can significantly reduce health risks, in particular obesity and non-communicable diseases, lessening the burden on healthcare systems. Expanding green spaces and infrastructure for active mobility will also foster mental well-being through greater social interaction.
- Reinforce social inclusion
Lower-income groups tend to live in areas with poorer transport infrastructure, limiting access to services, jobs and social activities. Transport systems also often fail to address the varying needs of people according to gender, age and ability. Road traffic accidents are the main cause of death among people aged 5-29 years worldwide.
The strategy emphasizes the inclusion of gender, age and disability needs in transport planning, ensuring that mobility is accessible to all. Green finance and fiscal incentives will have an important role to play in driving investment in sustainable transport, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy.
- Collect and manage data
The lack or limited quality of data is a recurring challenge and one of the most serious obstacles to informed policymaking in some UNECE member States. This prevents an objective assessment of the impact of transport on the environment and health from being carried out.
Consistent data on transport, greenhouse gas emissions and mobility will inform policy across the region.
In implementing the Strategy, under the framework of THE PEP, member States will also work on:
- Directing investments, fiscal incentives and green finance initiatives towards sustainable transport, stimulating job creation and the economy;
- Making the most of digitalization of transport and mobility services;
- Increasing the resilience of transport systems to climate change, pandemics and other disasters.
The next step will be for member States, within the framework of THE PEP and with other stakeholders, to discuss how to implement the Strategy and mobilize the appropriate resources to facilitate implementation, drawing on the knowledge-sharing and good practices of each member State.
