Spatial planning determines the distribution of people, economic activity and environmental amenities across space. To achieve environmental and social objectives, cities and regions must be carefully designed. OECD analyses investigate the relationships among land use patterns, socioeconomic outcomes, environmental pressures and the use of policy instruments. The OECD has also developed frameworks to support spatial planning and direct urban development to more sustainable pathways.
Greening infrastructure and transport
Infrastructure lays the foundation for long-term economic development and provides societies with essential services. These systems however are also responsible for roughly 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The OECD's work helps countries optimise and shift towards infrastructure systems that ensure high-quality services while contributing to environmental and social goals.
Key messages
OECD work on biodiversity and renewable power highlights the need to integrate biodiversity early into infrastructure policy and project cycles to balance multiple goals. While moving away from fossil fuels eases climate-related pressure on biodiversity, poorly planned renewable expansion can create new risks. Strategic planning helps identify power system expansion options that optimise cost, carbon reduction, and biodiversity protection. Spatial planning tools can guide projects towards low-risk areas, reducing policy trade-offs. Following the mitigation hierarchy—avoid, minimise, restore, and offset—can help ensure infrastructure does not compromise biodiversity goals.
Context
Public transport options in large OECD cities are largely accessible
Across OECD Member Countries, 71% of people in midsize and large functional urban areas can reach a public transport stop within a 10-minute walk. In 12 European and Asian-Pacific countries (including Australia, Germany, Korea, Türkiye and the United Kingdom), 90% of people can. However, less than half of people in Mexico and the United States have such access.
Making it easier and cheaper for households to use public transport can help reduce car dependency
Across 17,000 households in nine OECD countries, 54% of regular car users indicate that improved public transport would encourage them to drive less. More frequent services, better network coverage and lower fares are particularly important. For households that do not use a car, public transport availability is an important reason.
Related policy issues
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Infrastructure is key to a well-functioning society and economy. However, climate impacts are leading to widespread infrastructure disruptions. The OECD guides countries in adapting infrastructure planning, design and operation to climate change. It also helps identify innovative measures, such as Nature-based Solutions, to climate-proof infrastructure more effectively.Learn more
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The Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia (SIPA) helps selected Central and Southeast Asian countries scale up energy, transport and industry infrastructure investments, and shift them towards infrastructure projects consistent with low-emission, resilient development pathways and the Sustainable Development Goals.Learn more
