Transportation is responsible for about 14 % of global emissions. Its damage is not limited to CO2. Particulate matter from tailpipes is a major contributor to respiratory disease and fuel spills have created some of the worst environmental disasters on land and sea. As with energy, a transition is underway that will demand attention by governments, citizens and consumers. The greatest changes needing investment are in these areas:
- Increased efficiency standards for gasoline and diesel vehicles, most importantly trucks,
- Transition to electric vehicles (EV’s) including bikes, cars, trucks, buses and trains,
- Expansion of public transportation combined with strategic urban planning to make cities more accessible by foot, bike or train/bus.
Hot off the presses!
Excitingly, the City of Chicago revised its electric vehicle ordinance on April 24th to improve EV infrastructure starting this fall. NThe ordinance requires:
- Expands the range of multi-unit residential and commercial buildings required to offer EV parking.
- New residential buildings with 5 or more units must have 20% or more parking spots for EVs.
- New commercial buildings with more than 30 on-site parking spaces must have at least 20% EV designated parking spots.
- All EV parking spaces must be outfitted with plug-in equipment.
Today’s Climate Action Request:
- Link & Share this message.
- Read: Air Pollution and Coronavirus Connection Explained – Climate Reality Project Blog
- What are ways will your post shelter-in-place behavior around transportation change? Share on social media.