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Climate Change and Transportation
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Article Content
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| Climate Change Basics |
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The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that evidence of warming is unequivocal and been caused primarily by human activities.[1] Global climate change is caused by changes in the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. The six primary greenhouse gases are; carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Global greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities have grown dramatically since pre-industrial times, with an increase of 70% between 1970 and 2004.[2]
[1] “Findings of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change Mitigation”, Union of Concerned Scientists: Citizens and Scientists for Environmental Solutions, <http://ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/findings-of-the-ipcc-fourth-1.html>
[2]http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/syr/en/spms2.html
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| The Transportation Sector |
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Source: Governor's Climate Change Integration Group, 2008
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The transportation sector accounts for about one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and transportation related emissions continue to grow.[1] In Oregon, transportation accounts for an estimated 35% of the state’s carbon dioxide emissions, with vehicle carbon dioxide emissions predicted to increase by 33% by 2025 because of increased driving.[2]
[1] “On the Road”, Climate Change – Greenhouse Gas Emissions, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, February 23, 2010. <http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_road.html>
[2] Oregon Transportation Plan, 2006.
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