Hello everyone! Today, we’ll be looking at is none other than the infamous transportation sector, which is the largest US contributor to global warming. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector was responsible for 29% of US global warming in 2019, and that number only increases by the year.
Why does transportation contribute so much to global warming? These days, the vast, vast majority of vehicles run on gasoline, which, when burned (to make the vehicle move), emits several greenhouse gasses (GHG) that heat up the planet. And now that we are in the age of quick, easy, online shipping (I’m looking at you, Amazon), there are hundreds of thousands of extra vehicles on the road, which does not do any good for the environment.
So, what can we do to combat this? Here’s a few ways:
If you and your friends are all going somewhere (like school), carpool, or if you’re comfortable with it, use ride-share services.
Even better, try finding alternate transportation methods, such as public transportation, biking, walking, or running. The latter 3 might not be the best in this cold weather, but once it warms up, walking to nearby places is a great way to hang out with people while doing something good for the environment.
Drive more efficiently by not putting as much force on the gas pedal and brakes, which actually reduces the amount of gasoline burned. Also, keep your car maintained so it doesn’t burn more gas than it should.
If you’re waiting in your car for someone, turn off your car so it doesn’t keep burning gasoline and emitting GHGs (this is called idling).
Try running all of your errands on the same day, that way you don’t drive as much.
If you’re buying a new car, look for more fuel-efficient ones. They go farther on less fuel and therefore emit less GHGs.
Even better, purchase an electric car, which runs on electricity instead of gasoline, and therefore doesn’t emit any GHGs. You could also ask your local leaders to invest in electric buses to make public transportation more eco-friendly.
I hope you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for more!
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