Disentangling the relationships between the SDGs and transportation

Abstract

Transportation is a vital enabler of sustainable development, influencing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In this research, we discuss and explore the intricate connections between transportation and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying the interconnection between the transportation sector and SDGs. Our investigation highlights the vast role of transportation within the SDGs’ scope, which was earlier limited to a few indicators; we stress transportation’s transformative potential, including its role in enhancing urban accessibility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting equity and inclusion, and fostering economic opportunities. Key findings underscore gaps in the current SDG framework, such as limited recognition of active mobility, inequities in access, and underrepresentation of transportation’s environmental and social impacts. In addition, thresholds for the different indicators interacting with the transport sector must be defined for a universal, transparent evaluation process. Moreover, there is a need to consider the interlinkage between several indicators within different goals that are closely linked, and their relationship should be considered when evaluated, and they should be evaluated simultaneously and not separately. The paper proposes refining indicators to capture the nuanced relationships between transportation and sustainable development, emphasizing context-sensitive approaches to address regional disparities and informal transit systems. By integrating transportation comprehensively within SDG planning and monitoring, policymakers can unlock its systemic benefits, accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda and fostering equitable, sustainable communities.