A new series from the Low Emission Development Strategies Global Partnership (LEDS GP) highlights the social and economic benefits of low carbon urban transport - from job creation and saved time and money, to fighting poverty, and achieving safer roads and cleaner air.

Low carbon transport has many social and economic benefits that can accelerate local sustainable development and that deserve recognition beyond their role in addressing climate change. A series of five new papers, ‘LEDS in Practice’, from the Transport Working Group of LEDS GP explores how low carbon urban transport can present win-win opportunities, including:

• City investment in low carbon transport structures such as bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways would promote commuter safety on the roads.
• More affordable, efficient, and safe travel connects people to more employment and social
  opportunities.
• Low carbon urban transport offers a practical opportunity to save people’s time and household income as well as government budgets.
• Along with the short term employment impact, longer term jobs in public transport systems tend to be more formalised and secure.
• The clear links between greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter make low carbon transport an increasingly sustainable investment at local level—both by reducing emission levels and thus mitigating climate change; and by improving public health through better air quality.

Download the LEDS in Practice series below:

• LEDS in Practice: Make roads safe
• LEDS in Practice: Fight poverty
• LEDS in Practice: Save money and time
• LEDS in Practice: Create jobs
• LEDS in Practice: Breathe clean

For more information, contact the LEDS GP Transport Working Group at transport@ledsgp.org.

Image credit: Sirensongs