This article is also available in Italian / Questo articolo è disponibile anche in italiano
I am often asked: what does the city of the future look like? If we succeed in overcoming the climate emergency and pursuing a sustainable development path, how would cities evolve? My vision is far from Coruscant or any other high-tech, planet-wide metropolises of science fiction. Instead, I see cities built around people—with clean air, extensive public transport, affordable housing, and vibrant, rewilded spaces where everyone can walk, cycle, play, and thrive.
This starts with rethinking how we move. As a global campaign by C40 and the International Transport Workers’ Federation declares: “The future is public transport.”
Cities reliant on private vehicles are not just polluted, they are deeply unequal. Data show men drive more than women, car ownership is higher among white people in the UK and US, and wealthier households—while more likely to own cars—often escape the worst congestion and pollution.
Car users also occupy 3.5 times more public space than non-car users. A city designed around cars is neither fair nor sustainable. This is not about banning cars but about offering people better choices—fast, affordable, and accessible alternatives that improve lives.
Every dollar invested in public transport generates five dollars in return. In Global South cities, such investments create 30% more jobs than road construction. For transformation to be truly effective, investment in public transport must go hand in hand with reducing congestion through clean air zones, supporting decarbonisation of last-mile freight, and expanding walking and cycling infrastructure.
Since 2017, 36 cities have signed the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Declaration, committing to reducing polluting vehicles and increasing active transport; 14 cities now restrict high-emission vehicles, and 15 are reallocating road space for sustainable transport.
Their progress is remarkable: Shenzhen electrified its 16,000-bus fleet, saving 366,000 tonnes of coal annually; Istanbul aims to build the world’s second-longest metro network by 2030; Mexico City expanded its cycling network from 186 km in 2017 to 488 km in 2021, doubling bike trips.
Scaling these efforts won’t be socially, culturally, and politically neutral. Clean air zones often face opposition, sometimes fuelled by far-right disinformation portraying climate action as “elitist.” Madrid’s courts recently overturned three low-emission zones, citing a lack of socio-economic impact analysis and that the measure creates a barrier for low-income residents.
But are low-emission zones truly just for the wealthy? No. Or rather, they don’t have to be. When designed equitably, they become not just fairer but more effective. Measures such as scrappage programs for low-income residents or progressive payment systems enhance accessibility. Jakarta, for example, doubled public transport coverage from 42% to 82% between 2017 and 2021, cutting transport costs from 30% to 10% of household income.
When implemented well, clean air zones are transformative. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion led to a 22% drop in PM2.5 emissions from cars, improving air quality for 94% of residents previously exposed to harmful pollution. In Stockholm, clean air zones reduced childhood asthma attacks; in Beijing, they saved nearly 40 million dollars in health and social costs.
Putting policies in place that are technically sound and truly fair, with strong political leadership, can also enable broader alliances and coalitions—unifying civil society, doctors, activists, businesses, workers and institutions. London’s “Clean Air Wins” campaign shifted public opinion in favour of ULEZ, disarming disinformation and securing a historic third term for Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Recent C40 polling in Bogotá, Johannesburg, London, Quito, Seattle, Seoul, Stockholm, and Warsaw reveals overwhelming public support for cleaner, people-cantered cities. More than 80% of residents want leaders to champion clean air. Over 90% support expanding public transport and active mobility. 88% favour creating or enlarging clean air zones.
Redefining urban life for the future takes courage, vision, and decisive action. Leading mayors worldwide are showing what’s possible—prioritising solutions that serve the majority, not just the few. This is the only future we can afford to build.
DOWLOAD AND READ ISSUE #55 OF RENEWABLE MATTER: TRANSPORT
Cover: City of the future, April 1942, Frank R. Paul. Image used with the acknowledgment of the Frank R. Paul Estate