How do you untie this Gordian knot?
According to a new book published by the Urban Land Institute, one of the most important ways to combat climate change is to build developments that are conveniently located near the workplace. In other words, stop the sprawl and make it easier for people to get to work.
The book, Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change, indicates that "the projected 59 percent increase in the total miles driven between 2005 and 2030 will overwhelm expected gains from vehicle efficiency and low-carbon fuels."
Okay, that is pretty overwhelming. However, the other side of the equation is getting auto manufacturers on board to increase those expected gains. So far, they are not complying as much as they could be. Yes, the Big 3 have made strides in manufacturing fuel-efficient models, but this has been mostly a defensive measure against their foreign competitors. If the U.S. car industry were more serious, they wouldn't constantly fight against raising the CAFE standards on their automobiles.
So on one hand, a major urban-planning organization is explaining to the country what needs to be done to fight climate change. On the other, there is an entire industry that is not playing to win, only to hold on. The next goal should be to get the real estate development and car industries to sit down and start the dialogue.
Then maybe we could significantly reduce the growth in the number of miles Americans drive and the nation's carbon footprint while giving people more choices in housing.
This topic was published as part of the House Media Network newsletter. Read this newsletter in its entirety at www.housemedianetwork.com/newsletter/57
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