WASHINGTON, DC (May 20, 2021) — Speed is one of the main risk factors in road crashes and is a leading contributor to death and serious injury. Globally, more than 1.35 million people die from road crashes every year – and rising. Things can be different though; we know what works.

On the occasion of the 6^th annual UN Global Road Safety Week, WRI has joined leaders and organizations around the world in signing an open letter that calls for an urgent transition to low-speed, livable streets. This year’s Road Safety Week theme is “Streets for life,” focused on the importance of limiting speeds to 30 kilometers per hour on streets where people and vehicles mix.

Cities account for 75% of global carbon emissions. Meeting global emission goals will require city leadership. At the same time, cities are deeply affected by the current climate crisis. Extreme heat events, water stress, deterioration of natural assets and air pollution are lowering the quality of life in cities and putting severe stress on infrastructure.

Everybody deserves the right to breathe clean air. Yet air pollution is choking cities and communities around the world: a staggering 9 in 10 people breathe unhealthy air.

LONDON (March 17, 2021) — A new report from the Coalition for Urban Transitions finds that in order to accelerate COVID-19 recovery, achieve shared prosperity, and drive climate action, national governments must invest in cities to significantly accelerate decarbonisation and enhance resilience.