China is responding to the enormous challenges its rapid growth is posing to the world’s environment, energy-resources supply and sustainable development.

Lee Schipper defines the most serious problems in these megacities as traffic safety, environment and congestion.

The capital city is conjuring up a vision of a complete metro network that may help alleviate heavy traffic pressures on the roads.

Even as indisciplined Blueline buses, unscrupulous autorickshaw drivers and reckless commercial vehicles continue to operate with impunity on Delhi's roads, the Delhi Government is launching another of its "regular'' drives from New Year's Day to check po

Throughout 2005, the passage of motorists and commuters on many of Jakarta's streets has often been disrupted by transportation projects that only worsen traffic congestion.

On July 1, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) implemented nationwide auto emission standards equivalent to Euro II. There are plans to adopt standards equivalent to Euro III in Beijing next year and to extend these across the country

In the past few months Chinese officials have announced plans to impose stringent, new fuel-economy standards on cars and trucks produced in their country. The standards are expected to be tougher than those in the United States.

There are signs that China, faced with energy shortages as well as worsening congestion and air pollution, is turning its attention back to encouraging cycling in its cities.

The Beijing transportation bureau has announced new bus fares, a reorganization of the bus network, and a massive increase in public transit spending - all aimed at transforming Beijing’s uncomfortable but necessary relationship with the bus.

Over a quarter of a million of the city’s drivers have pledged to stop driving for one day over the next week in an attempt to ease traffic and improve air quality for the thousands of dignitaries attending the city’s Sino-Africa Forum.