Climate Change

Driving to a new destination. Since the first Model-Ts rolled off the assembly line, North Americans have fallen in love with the internal combustion engine. But our love affair is killing us.

Not only does the burning of oil used in our vehicles increase the risks of global warming, but it also takes a serious toll on our health. Numerous studies have uncovered links between the air pollution caused by motor vehicles and emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma.

In Canada, the production of petroleum needed to run North America’s transportation sector traps us in an infrastructure that makes us dependent on dirty oil for our energy needs. The oil produced from Alberta’s tar sands creates extensive environmental damage and prevents Canada from pursuing cleaner and greener options.

But there is a better way. There are already solutions to these environmental challenges. We just need to put them into practice.

• Encouraging the widespread adoption of efficient plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles will reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
• Creating an innovative energy sector that uses “green grids”— smaller power plants that incorporate renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass sources, along with greater energy efficiency.
• Improving public transit so that commuters can get where they need to go quickly, comfortably, and reliably.
• Encouraging our political leaders to mandate better vehicle fuel efficiency standards, which will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Inspiring better urban planning to create pedestrian- and bike-friendly communities.
• Encouraging companies to shorten their supply lines and move freight from planes and trucks to cleaner alternatives such as rail and ships.
• Encouraging individuals to make greener transportation choices.