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Goals > Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Picture
Photo: Flickr/ Dale Walker
The transportation sector is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the US (US EPA, 2017), with a majority of those emissions coming from passenger travel; that is, the cars and light trucks on US roadways.

​The science behind the existence of climate change is
unequivocal (IPCC, 2014) and well-recognized as a serious threat to human and environmental health. In the United States, there have been climate-related increases in temperatures, more frequent and severe weather events, more frequent and severe wildfires, degraded air quality, and food- and water-borne diseases, and general stress affecting mental health and well-being (US Global Change Research Program, 2016, 2018).

Proven Strategies

  • Regional Accessibility (Regional Access to Destinations)
  • Residential Density
  • Employer-Based Trip Reduction Programs
  • ​Street Network Connectivity
  • Transit Service
  • Voluntary Travel Behavior Change Programs

Equity and Inclusion

While everyone will be affected by health impacts of climate change, some groups are especially vulnerable. These include low-income communities, some communities of color, older adults, people with disabilities, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (US Global Change Research Program, 2016). Because climate change is deeply connected to health and racial inequities, it is essential to link environmental and racial justice with climate change efforts. Mitigation and adaptation efforts should prioritize those most impacted by climate change.

Implementation

Guides & Reports
Inclusive climate action in practice: How to jointly tackle climate change and inequality: Case studies from leading global cities
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C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, n.d.
Electric carsharing in underserved communities: Considerations for program success

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The Greenlining Institute, 2015
Research Reports & Briefs
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions is only the beginning: A literature review of the co-benefits of reducing vehicle miles traveled

National Center for Sustainable Transportation, 2017
Fact Sheets & Infographics
Critical connections: Transportation, climate change and public health


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American Public Health Association (APHA), n.d.
Tools
Quantifying greenhouse gas emission measures: A resource for local government to asses emission reductions from greenhouse gas mitigation measures
California Air Pollution Control Officers' Association,  2010
Model Policy & Code
Climate change policy guide


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American Planning Association, 2021
Driving down emissions: Transportation, land use, and climate change



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Smart Growth America, 2020
Climate case studies: MPO activities [Website]



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​US Department of Transportation, 2017
The impacts of climate change on human health in the United States: A scientific assessment


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US Global Change Research Program, 2016
California's low carbon transportation equity programs fact sheet

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Greenlining Institute, 2020
Integrated Transport and Health Impact Model (ITHIM) USA


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Maizlish, Jiang & Weiher, 2020​
​Principles for fair and equitable investment in electric vehicles and transportation electrification


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National Consumer Law Center, 2018
Reducing climate change impacts on walking and bicycling


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C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, 2020
Special report 298: Driving and the built environment: The effects of compact development on motorized travel, energy use, and CO2 emissions 
Transportation Research Board, 2009
Handbook for estimating transportation greenhouse gases for integration into the planning process



FHWA, 2013​
Zeroing in on the ZEBs: The advanced technology transit bus index | 2019



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CALSTART, 2019
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  • Home
  • Goals
    • Physical Activity
    • Bicycling
    • Walking
    • Equity and Inclusion
    • Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    • Vehicle Miles Traveled
  • Strategies
    • Transportation Infrastructure >
      • Bicycle Infrastructure
      • Pedestrian Infrastructure
      • Traffic Calming
    • Transportation Demand Management >
      • Active Travel to School
      • Employer-Based Trip Reduction Programs
      • Parking Availability and Pricing
      • Road User Pricing
      • Voluntary Travel Behavior Change Programs
    • Land Use Strategies >
      • Local Accessibility
      • Regional Accessibility
      • Residential Density
      • Land Use Mix
      • Street Network Connectivity
    • Public Transit >
      • Transit Access
      • Transit Service
    • Engagement >
      • Community Engagement
  • Emerging issues
  • Approach
  • About
  • Support Us
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