Day 10: Transportation

Today you will learn about the transportation sector, why it contributes to climate change, and how eliminate or mitigate the problems of the transportation sector to solve climate change.

Summary

Explain succinctly what the transportation sector is from first principles.

The transportation sector encompasses all the activities related to the movement of people and goods from one location to another. It includes various modes of transportation, such as cars, trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, ships, and other forms of vehicles used for personal, commercial, and industrial purposes.

Why is the transportation sector a problem that causes climate change?

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to climate change due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, primarily gasoline and diesel. When these fuels are burned for propulsion, they release greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These GHGs trap heat from the sun, causing global warming and the associated impacts of climate change.

In addition to CO2 emissions, other pollutants from transportation, such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and black carbon, also have negative effects on air quality and contribute to climate change indirectly.

Why is the transportation sector important to address? What's at stake if we don't address it?

Addressing the transportation sector is vital for several reasons:

• Significant emissions: The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of GHG emissions globally, making up a substantial portion of the total emissions responsible for climate change.
• Rapid growth: As populations and economies expand, the demand for transportation services increases, leading to a potential surge in emissions if not managed properly.
• Air pollution and public health: The sector's emissions contribute to air pollution, which can have severe health consequences, particularly in urban areas.
• Vulnerable infrastructure: Many transportation infrastructures, such as roads and airports, are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, like sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

If we fail to address the problems of the transportation sector, it will exacerbate climate change, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and numerous adverse impacts on human health, agriculture, and economies.

How might we eliminate or mitigate the problems of the transportation sector?

To eliminate or mitigate the problems of the transportation sector and reduce its impact on climate change, several strategies can be employed:

• Transition to electric vehicles (EVs): Promote the widespread adoption of electric cars, buses, and trucks, which emit no tailpipe CO2 emissions, and support the development of charging infrastructure.
• Invest in public transportation: Enhance public transportation systems to encourage people to use buses, trains, and subways instead of individual vehicles, reducing overall emissions.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Set stringent fuel economy standards for vehicles and promote the use of cleaner fuels like biofuels and renewable natural gas.
• Encourage active transportation: Develop infrastructure and policies that support walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation to reduce the need for short car trips.
• Shift freight to greener options: Promote the use of rail and maritime transportation for freight, which are generally more fuel-efficient than trucks and airplanes.
• Urban planning: Design cities with mixed land uses to minimize the need for long commutes, encourage telecommuting, and prioritize sustainable transportation options.

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Additional Resources

Books:

• "Sustainable Transportation: Problems and Solutions" by William R. Black - This book provides a comprehensive overview of the transportation sector's environmental impacts, including its role in climate change, and explores sustainable solutions.
• "Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability" by Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon - This book delves into the challenges posed by the growing number of cars on the road and explores strategies for transitioning to a more sustainable transportation system.

Courses:

• Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes by John Hopkins University - This course covers the environmental impacts of transportation, including climate change, and explores sustainable alternatives.
• Transportation courses on Edx

Scholars:

• Dr. Dan Sperling - A prominent scholar in transportation and energy, Dr. Sperling has extensively researched sustainable transportation and its impact on climate change.
• Dr. Susan Shaheen - Known for her work on shared mobility and electric vehicles, Dr. Shaheen's research addresses the intersection of transportation and climate change.
• Dr. José Holguín-Veras - An expert in urban freight transportation, Dr. Holguín-Veras investigates ways to improve freight logistics while reducing climate impacts.

Podcasts:

• "The Mobility Podcast" - This podcast features discussions with experts and thought leaders in the transportation sector, including topics related to sustainable mobility and climate impacts.
• "The Transit Authority" - Focused on public transportation, this podcast explores how transit systems can contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable urban mobility.

Top Skills To Learn

The following skills are recommend to learn:

• Transportation and urban planning: Understand the principles of transportation planning and urban design to create sustainable and efficient transportation systems that prioritize low-emission modes of travel.
• Clean energy and technology: Gain knowledge in renewable energy sources, electric vehicle technologies, and alternative fuels to promote cleaner transportation options and foster innovation in the sector.
• Policy and advocacy: Learn about policy development, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to influence government decisions, shape regulations, and support sustainable transportation initiatives.

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Activity

Activity: Sustainable Commuting Challenge

Challenge yourself to use a different mode of transportation for your daily commute for one week. For example, if you usually drive, try using public transportation, cycling, walking, or carpooling. Document your experiences, noting benefits, challenges, and the impact on your carbon footprint. Reflect on how innovative transportation choices can contribute to climate solutions.

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.