Source: epSos.de
Hear the news? The U.S. government has reached an agreement with major automakers on a significant increase in fuel economy standards. In addition to saving consumers trillions of dollars at the pump, the new standards will prevent an estimated 6 billion tons of carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere. The move from the current standard (23.7 miles per gallon) to a more stringent standard (54.5 miles per gallon by 2025) is certainly a step in a climate-responsible direction.
As you read up on the opinions about the updated standards, keep in mind that fuel economy isn’t the only factor that affects the amount of carbon emitted from our vehicle fleet. The amount we drive, or “vehicle miles traveled,” is also critical.
In spite of technological improvements, we’re emitting more carbon from our cars and trucks because we’re driving farther and putting more and more cars on the road. Over time, while we’ve engineered our cars to be more efficient, we’ve dramatically increased our vehicle miles traveled.
That’s why recent reports from the Center for Clean Air Policy and World Resources Institute say that to achieve meaningful reductions in carbon pollution, we’ll need to improve fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle miles traveled. How do we do that?
One great option is known as bus rapid transit. First tried in Curitiba, Brazil, bus rapid transit systems are cheaper to build than subways but still come with many of the benefits. With reserved driving lanes and pay-before-you-board policies to keep loading times to a minimum, the buses are a quick and dependable alternative to driving.
Jakarta, Indonesia, Mexico City, Mexico, and Cape Town, South Africa, each have constructed bus rapid transit networks of their own. And China (expected to soon finalize rigorous new fuel economy standards of its own) won this year’s Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Sustainable Transport Award for its bus rapid transit system in Guangzhou.
Last month, ITDP’s director explained that due to current budget realities, many U.S. cities could find it difficult to build new subways or light rail. It could be wise for the U.S. to look abroad to successful examples of bus rapid transit — especially given the reality that improved fuel economy standards alone won’t adequately curb carbon pollution coming from transportation.
Island Transformations
August 8th
We do not agree and have found there are many cities who have tried RBT then found it was not getting ridership nor stopping bus congestion. Most, including Ottawa Canada have scrapped RBT in favour of LRT and subway. Let’s face it, even a hybrid bus does not last as long on the roadway as do streetcars or LRT!! Nor, do hybrids operate as efficiently as electric rail powered by clean energy sources such as hydro; BC has lots of that!!
Gagar
August 9th
Excellent article. Except you don’t comment the fact that 54 mpg, by 2025 is just ridiculous, while 23.7 was outrageous. 120 mpg is achievable now with a half ton car. Anyway, as you mention, mileage should be reduced and public transportation is a must. Thank you.
David Sep
August 9th
Climate change deniers are attacking an article that supports findings of The Climate Reality Project and global warming more specifically, in comments left at this article for Progressivevoices.com. It may be an exercise in futility, but I believe their comments should not go unchallenged as it perpetuates climate falsehoods. Please help by weighing in on the commentary. PLEASE: http://progressivevoices.com/2011/07/politicizing-extinction/
zhang nan
September 13th
as the economical development grows up rapidly in China,our natural environment also has been polluting increasingly.although some actions has been taken by government ,the effect is not obvious.taking action against air ,water,light pollutions is urgent for every one in China!