Future mobility: It’s only natural

As mobility systems evolve, there’s growing recognition that infrastructure must do more than move people, it should also support the planet. Natalie Sauber of Arcadis explores how nature-positive design is shaping the future of transport and ITS.

Sauber argues that mobility’s future must be “nature-positive,” integrating transport infrastructure with ecosystem restoration. The article outlines a shift from cutting emissions to regenerating ecosystems via infrastructure that supports biodiversity. Only 3% of transport projects currently consider biodiversity, but new policies in the UK (10% biodiversity net gain mandate) and EU (binding restoration targets) aim to change that.

Examples include Singapore’s forest-linked Jurong development, India’s urban forestry in Bengaluru, and U.S. cities trialling “green” routes. Nature is now a fundamental design parameter, contributing to cleaner air, quieter streets, and urban resilience.
 

Nature-positive transport: balancing green infrastructure and urban mobility (Credit: Dreamstime)

Meanwhile, regions worldwide are entering a mobility policy “arms race,” treating data as public infrastructure and aiming for tech self-sufficiency. Policy, Sauber notes, is becoming the new “operating system” for mobility—and if infrastructure doesn’t give back to nature, communities, and digital ecosystems, it isn’t future-ready.

For the full article, visit ITS International.