Facts and figures
Density of people-centred: Cities with higher densities increase the probability of public transport, walking and cycling trips thanks to shorter trips and higher passenger catchment areas for public transport. In the UK context, a doubling of city-regional population density could reduce emissions by 5%, further optimisation with employment density and other access improvements could maximise the emission reductions. (Read more: LSE Cities)
Access in cities of Global South: Half of all urban dwellers in Global South lack adequate access to opportunities, leading to either high travel burdens or exclusion from opportunities. For example, 42% of residents in Johannesburg and 56% in Mexico City have below-average access to jobs. (Read more: WRI)
Air pollution levels in poor areas: Over 80% of urban dwellers are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits. It is an issue in all regions of the world, but inhabitants of low-income cities are the most impacted. 98% of cities in low- and middle income countries with more than 100 000 inhabitants do not meet WHO air quality guidelines. (Read more: WHO)
Access to jobs and cost burden: In South Africa 75% of households with an income of up to ZAR 3,000 (USD 200) per month spend 20% or more of their income on transport to commute to work. (Read more: UNU-WIDER)
Transport emissions in urban areas vs. rural areas: Urban dwellers record 70% less vehicle-kilometre travel and transport CO2 emissions than people living in rural areas. The level of automobile dependency is also overall lower in cities. (Read more: VTPI)