Toolkit
Clean Air Zone Toolbox
From Low Emission Zones to Zero Emission Areas: how cities can transform transport to create cleaner, greener and healthier streets
This toolbox is for all C40 and non-C40 cities planning, developing and implementing Clean Air Zone policies.
Clean Air Zones are specific areas of a city in which measures have been introduced to reduce toxic air pollution, prioritise people over cars, and promote a shift to active travel including walking, cycling and public transport. Urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs) such as Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Zero Emission Areas (ZEAs) are an important part of a Clean Air Zone, as they improve air quality and public health by restricting access for the most polluting vehicles. This also helps accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport and address the climate crisis. Clean Air Zones tackle congestion and improve road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, providing more opportunities for safe, healthy movement for everyone. Clean Air Zones can be referred to by different names in different cities, such as Environmental Zones, Ultra Low Emission Zones, and Limited Traffic Zones. This toolbox is for all C40 and non-C40 cities planning, developing and implementing Clean Air Zone policies. It is informed by insights and learnings from leading C40 cities that have introduced Clean Air Zone policies, and are already seeing impressive benefits for residents. A total of 35 cities have signed the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator and committed to introduce a ZEA in their city by 2030.
Sustainable Finance Action and Advocacy: A Roadmap for Global South Cities
Commissioned by C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), and UrbanShift, this Roadmap provides evidence-backed insights, policy recommendations, and tools for Global South city mayors.
How National Governments Can Increase Finance for Subnational Climate Action
This report is aimed at defining implementation options for national governments to significantly scale up finance for subnational climate action in close partnership with subnational governments, development partners, and the private sector.
How African cities can develop to become green, resilient, and inclusive
During the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum, leaders from across the continent united to learn and share insights on accelerating transformative urban planning approaches—and the finance needed to implement them.
World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action
From UN-Habitat, this report highlights the critical role cities play in addressing the global climate crisis, both in terms of reversing its impacts (through mitigation) and reducing the vulnerability of at-risk communities, groups and individuals.
