Blog Posts: public health

A new report offers evidence-based recommendations for designing safer, healthier, more vibrant cities.

The usual discussion around children’s traffic safety is a behavioral one, focusing on issues like helmet- and seat-belt laws. What's really needed is a "safe system" approach that actually makes cities safer by design.

Designing efficient, low-carbon cities and transport systems can improve health and the climate.

A WRI study shows new bus rapid transit (BRT) projects in Mexico, Colombia, China, India, and South Africa have the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 31.4 million tons over the next 20 years. This amount is equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 6.5 million cars.

Between now and September 2015, when heads of state will gather for the UN General Assembly, we have a historic chance to set the world on a more sustainable path that will eradicate poverty and enhance prosperity for all.

Over the coming months, however, leaders must work together to set the world on the right course to realize this vision.

While the vast majority of citizens in developing cities don’t own cars, infrastructure is still being designed and financed to support motor vehicle travel. In Mexico, for example, less than one-third of urban trips are made in cars, but three-quarters of the federal mobility budget is allocated to highways.

It’s time for the world’s cities to start thinking about moving people rather than moving cars.