With 2015 representing a year of unprecedented opportunity with regard to the landmark intergovernmental conferences on development and climate action, the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate have produced this substantial report which makes the case for all parties to forge new and improved strategic partnerships for economic growth and a better climate.The first part of the report focuses on new opportunities and challenges for low-carbon growth and international cooperation, examining recent trends and developments, and international cooperation both within and without the UNFCC

The overall structure of the transport sector in the developing world is changing because of rapid urbanisation. While Latin America is already highly urbanised, Africa and especially Asia are still undergoing rapid urbanisation. It is expected that China and India alone will add 500 million people to their urban population in the next 20 years. This implies a growing need for urban transport services to prevent or overcome patterns of sprawl and congestion, and to ensure access to goods and services.

This book published by the World Bank suggests a multifaceted approach that addresses spatial development, energy-efficient industry, increased public transport, and sustainable waste management systems. By simultaneously acting on these issues, cities can begin to streamline climate change considerations into planning and investment decisions. The book also focuses on specific sectoral energy challenges, and provides recommendations to each sector.

This report by ICLEI describes the ‘green transportation plan’ of Mexico City, previously known as one of the most polluted cities in the world. The transport system has relied on cars and environmentally inefficient and unsafe microbuses, creating extreme levels of congestion which led to an average daily commute of 2.5 hours and dangerous levels of environmental pollution – posing threats to the health and welfare of its residents.

This report uses case studies conducted in Asian and Latin American cities to explore how urban transport policies and programmes could be developed as supported Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs). The report covers issues related to the scope, institutional involvement, financing and monitoring of NAMAs: