Transport in a Crisis Era: New Report Calls for Bold, Just, and Sustainable Transformation of Transport Systems for People and the Planet
Brussels, 29 October 2025 – A new publication, “Transport in a Crisis Era: Seizing Opportunities for a Just, Sustainable Transformation”, urges governments and decision makers to act decisively to align transport systems with climate, social inclusion, and sustainability goals
According to IPCC transport emissions need to drop at least by 59% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels to stay within 1.5°C warming. Transport is the lifeline of our societies and economies connecting people and the economies, yet the sector is a leading contributor to emissions. In 2023, it remained the second largest and fastest growing emitting sector – responsible for 15.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 21.9% of global CO₂ emissions – and consumed 27% of global energy for end-uses, with fossil fuels accounting for 95.4% of energy used in transport. Moreover, the transport sector is among the most exposed to climate risk. Climate-related disasters cost USD 15 – 22 billion in damage to transport infrastructure every year, hitting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hardest. Meanwhile, billions of people still lack access to safe and reliable transport, limiting social inclusion and economic development. The urgency to act has never been greater.
Produced by SLOCAT, these Takeaways for Decision Makers distil key findings from the SLOCAT Transport, Climate and Sustainability Global Status Report – 4th edition (GSR4) provide actionable insights at the crossroads of transport, climate, sustainability and social justice – supporting decision makers in accelerating a just transition towards sustainable, low-carbon transport systems.
The report highlights both progress and persistent challenges. Over the past two years, some progress has been achieved towards sustainable transport across all modes and levels of governance, providing a foundation to build upon. However, the overall trajectory of transport transformations remains off track for achieving a truly sustainable future.
Quote: “While there have been encouraging developments, key transport sectors are not transforming fast enough, and clear headwinds are emerging. With transport systems in many LMICs still taking shape, the next decade is a decisive window to avoid inefficient investments and costly lock-in,” said Maruxa Cardama, Secretary General of SLOCAT. “It’s time to set a quantified global goal for inclusive, low-carbon, resilient transport – expanding access through electrified rail, mass transit, walking, and cycling, while phasing out fossil fuels and cutting energy use”.
Explore our press kit composed of key messages, transport by the numbers (key stats from the report), the Avoid–Shift–Improve framework for sustainable transport, and the Five-Point Plan for Transport in the Nationally Determined Contributions.”
Who is SLOCAT: SLOCAT, the Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport Partnership, accelerates the transformation of transport systems and services towards inclusive, healthy, green and resilient solutions for people and the planet. SLOCAT provides collaborative data and evidence-based knowledge, action initiatives, political strategies, dialogue, and strategic communications. This helps build collective thought leadership and advocacy at the crossroads of transport, sustainability, climate and social justice issues. SLOCAT emphasises all land transport modes with universal analyses and actions, especially for low- and middle-income countries
Read the GSR4: SLOCAT (2025), Transport, Climate and Sustainability Global Status Report – 4th edition, https://gsr4.slocat.net
Read the Takeaways for Decision Makers: SLOCAT (2025), Transport in a Crisis Era: Seizing Opportunities for a Just, Sustainable Transformation
