Goals > Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Photo: Flickr/ Dale Walker
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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
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
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Inclusive Climate Action in Practice: How to Jointly Tackle Climate Change and Inequality: Case Studies from Leading Global Cities C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, n.d. |
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More Choices, Less Traffic: Achieving Greater Efficiency and Equity from California's Transportation Investments Climate Resolve & ClimatePlan, 2018 |
Principles for Fair and Equitable Investment in Electric Vehicles and Transportation Electrification National Consumer Law Center, 2018 Incorporating the Costs and Benefits of Adaptation Measures in Preparation for Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change--Guidebook Transportation Research Board, 2020 |