The transportation sector is a major source of both air pollution and greenhouse gasses. To lessen its impact on the environment and human health, UNEP supported more than 50 low-and middle-income countries as they transitioned towards electric vehicles and promoted the uptake of walking and cycling. That work backed the rollout of everything from electric taxis in Costa Rica to electric bikes in Uganda. 

UNEP advised East African countries as they adopted standards for cleaner fuels for petrol-and diesel-burning vehicles, including cars and motorcycles. UNEP also supported West African nations as they implemented regulations designed to lower the sulfur content of vehicle fuels. That is helping to rein in two types of pollution detrimental to human health: particulate matter and black carbon. 

UNEP also launched a partnership that supports some of the world’s largest food and grocery delivery companies as they transition to electric motorcycles and other forms of zero-emissions transport. The Deliver-E Coalition has seen significant commitments since its adoption and includes platforms that operate in 96 countries and make 6 billion deliveries a year. 

Alongside its work on road transport, UNEP is helping to reduce pollution at airports. UNEP launched a push to phase out the use of toxic fluorinated firefighting foams – including those that contain so-called forever chemicals – at major hubs in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The nearly US$83 million effort will help airports transition to less toxic-alternatives and remove 4,500 tonnes of toxic foams.