United States could cut carbon emission by as much as 47% by 2050

A recent report sponsored by the Department of Transportation reviled that the United States could cut carbon emission by as much as 47% by 2050 through the use of different carbon cutting strategies. The study was the first of its kind to link the relationship of transportation efficiency to green house gas reductions. As of today, the Transportation Sector makes up for 28% of U.S carbon emissions and makes up nearly half of the Nation’s total increase in greenhouse gases since 1990.

Nearly 50 different carbon-cutting transportation strategies were examined and the report concluded that carbon emissions could be reduced 24% by 2050, simply by changing travel behavior and current development patterns. The emissions reduction grew to 47% when pricing and taxing measures such as pay-as-you-go insurance and charging by miles driven were included.

Carbon Cutting Strategies Include:

· Reducing Speed Limits

· Encouraging better land use planning

· Investing in Carpooling and Shuttle Programs

· Improving Capacity and expansion of Public Transit

· Pricing and Taxing Measures

· Utilizing ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems)

In the Philadelphia region, Transit Oriented Development (TOD) has become more widely accepted. The idea is to focus new development around existing transit centers, which both revitalizes urban cores and combats urban sprawl, decreasing the American dependency on the Automobile. Which is a step in the right direction, as a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that Philadelphia was one of three major nation-wide cities which did not see a decrease in traffic congestion from 2007. Through proper land use initiatives, we can not only help ease our daily commutes, but also make a significant positive impact on the environment as well.

A link to the New York Times article can be found HERE

A link to the executive summary of the study can be found HERE

A link to the Texas Traffic Institute 2009 annual Urban mobility Report can be found HERE