01375601

Monograph

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167508.aspx

http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/167508.aspx

This summary of key findings covers a variety of studies on climate change and its ramifications for the transportation sector. The key findings discussed are as follows: Emissions and levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG) have been rising; Global climate systems are already changing, largely as a consequence of human (anthropogenic) activity; Climate change presents many risks to humans, causing many scientific organizations to recommend significant reductions in GHG emissions by 2050; Many private-sector companies, as well as federal, state, and local governments, and the U.S. military are moving forward with plans to reduce GHG emissions and to adapt to a changing climate; Nearly 30% of U.S. GHG emissions are from the transportation sector; GHG reductions may be achieved through various means from transportation; Price signals and transportation pricing are powerful in reducing GHG; Growth in travel could present a challenge to achieving GHG reduction targets; Alignment of transportation and land use planning may support the achievement of emissions reduction goals over the longer term; Freight GHG is growing three times as fast as passenger GHG and may require special efforts; and Climate adaptation will require significant changes for transportation.

English

18p

2012-7

Transportation Research Circular

Web

Figures; Photos; References

Air quality management; Carbon dioxide; Climate change; Climate change adaptation; Freight transportation; Greenhouse gases; Land use planning; Pricing; Transportation; Travel

Environment; Transportation (General); I15: Environment

TRIS, TRB

Jul 17 2012 3:59PM