Smart growth is a critical solution for climate change. Green buildings and hybrid cars are important pieces of a climate change solution, but they are not enough. Where and how we grow have a much larger impact on carbon emissions than the fuel-efficiency of our vehicles. Buildings and transportation account for 46 percent of our energy use and emissions. Our emissions will continue to increase to unsustainable levels unless we reduce driving by planning walkable communities. Putting new jobs, shops, schools and homes near transit is one of the most powerful ways local officials can address climate change.
A recent report by the Urban Land Institute called Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change argues that reducing global warming is intimately linked to where and how we live. Improved transit access through location-efficient housing would greatly reduce our emissions and traffic congestion. Visit our library to learn more.
