Holger Dalkmann, director of Embarq, the World Resources Institute’s center for sustainable transport, called the fund a “game changer,” saying the world’s population is expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, with more than half living in Asia, mostly in urban areas.

The rate of vehicle ownership is predicted to skyrocket from around 800 million cars a decade ago to around 2 billion in 2030.

Mr. Dalkmann said these population trends need responses such as better urban design; more sustainable transportation modes like walking, biking and mass transit; and improvements in existing vehicle and fuel technology.

“Ten years ago transportation wasn’t even in the discussion; now it’s a major outcome from the world’s preeminent conference on sustainable development,” Mr. Dalkmann added.