Cars are convenient, accessible to many, and as a result sometimes lead us to choose driving over a more sustainable transportation option. However, that convenience can have big environmental impacts when amplified by many people each day.
Transportation makes up an estimated 36% of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change here in our state. New Yorkers are witnessing firsthand the effects of the climate crisis through an increase in the frequency of severe storms and flooding that results in the loss of life and property. In addition, communities across the state are feeling the immediate health and environmental impacts of harmful emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for transportation.
New York State is a national leader in the fight to combat climate change and in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that drive our changing climate. Much progress has been made in reducing transportation emissions, including investments in walking/biking infrastructure, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, our mass transit systems, and downtown revitalization, but there is more to be done and we can all play a role in quickly decreasing these emissions and their harmful impacts.
As the recent COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated, when challenges arise, New York acts boldly. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act is the strongest climate protection law in the nation and commits New York State to limiting economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent of 1990 emissions levels by 2030, 85 percent by 2050, and ultimately net zero.
In order to get there, we all need to come together and act to tackle our largest emissions source head- on: transportation. To do this, we all can make a difference by going car free. The good things is there are many easy ways to do this, including reducing trips by combing errands, walking to the neighborhood pizza place on a Friday night, or recreating in a local park within walking/biking distance.
Therefore, I pledge to lower my carbon emissions from transportation by not driving my car at least one day during the week of September 21st thru the 27th 2020.
[NOTE: COVID-19 is still a risk. While not driving your vehicle to participate in the Car Free for Climate event please follow all
New York State Department of Health and
CDC guidelines regarding preventing the transmission of COVID-19, including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds.]
