Sustainable development: The current situation and the way forward

Transport is an essential component of sustainable development. Sustainability of transport is affected by socioeconomic, demographic and environmental megatrends that affect people at all levels and transform societies. The present economic growth, which has been associated with a ‘reversed’ geographical fragmentation of production, has created particular transport patterns such as increasing transport volumes in the non-OECD regions. At the same time, the significant changes in global population size, age structure, household size and urbanization expected for the twenty-first century may have substantial implications for inland transport—in terms of transport patterns, energy use and GHG emissions. The increasing effects of climate change and climate variation on transport infrastructure and services will cause further complications.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Climate Action