Urban mobility is a crucial anchor in city infrastructure, linking residents to education, employment, and essential services. Yet, a city's transportation system wields significant influence on the environment and public health. The European Environment Agency's recent report reveals that transport emissions constitute approximately 25% of total GHG emissions in the EU and the UK.
To combat this increase in emissions and align with the European Green Deal's ambitious target of a 90% emission reduction by 2050, innovative approaches and data sources are imperative. Collaborating with Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE), ICLEI Europe works with several cities to evaluate the potential of various data sources, including EIE, in fostering sustainable mobility planning.
Building on this collaboration, ICLEI Europe developed four case studies on accessing and appraising EIE transport data. The experiences of ICLEI Members Athens (Greece), Aarhus (Denmark), and Izmir (Türkiye), coupled with Greater Manchester (UK), illustrate a four-step journey—access, comprehension, data analysis, and expert exchange—culminating in impactful climate action planning.
Aarhus (Denmark)
Aarhus has pledged carbon neutrality by 2030, cutting city emissions in half by transforming the energy sector. Now aiming for 100% renewable energy, Aarhus tackles transport emissions through increased solar and wind power, building efficiency, and decarbonisation. Leveraging EIE, Aarhus gained vital traffic data for targeted interventions, especially for commuter vehicles registered outside of the city which regularly commuted in. With this, the city was able to gauge where to focus its interventions.
Read the technical case study here.
Athens (Greece)
Athens, a vast metropolitan area, grapples with substantial traffic flow. Embracing datasets, including EIE, Athens was able to accurately map private vehicle trips and emissions from 2014 until now. Updating vehicle emission calculations, Athens informed future inventories and aligned with a new Climate Action Plan, targeting a 61% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Prioritising sustainable travel, Athens aims to boost pedestrian trips by 14.5% and public transport usage by 4.5% in the next decade.
Read the technical case study here.
Greater Manchester (UK)
The transport sector in Greater Manchester contributes 30% of carbon emissions. To shape a sustainable growth strategy, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) informs the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040. Utilising EIE and other data, Greater Manchester's 2040 Right Mix plan aims for 50% of trips via sustainable modes, guided by EIE's modal share insights for strategic sustainable mobility interventions.
Read the technical case study here.
Izmir (Türkiye)
Izmir Metropolitan City grapples with significant traffic emissions. Committed to a 40% CO2 reduction by 2030, Izmir's SECAP 2020 prioritises low-carbon transportation modes and congestion reduction. Partnering with ICLEI Europe and EIE, Izmir gained annual insights, utilising ferry data for citizens and goods transport. EIE helps shape Izmir's transport carbon footprint understanding, informing future Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans and Carbon Neutrality Roadmaps.
Read the technical case study here.
These case studies have shown us how cities can leverage data for sustainable urban mobility, vital in achieving ambitious emission reduction goals and climate action. To explore EIE data, click here.