Have you considered switching to sustainable transportation?
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Georgia. It’s a big problem, but it represents an even bigger opportunity to reduce emissions by choosing sustainable transportation options instead of gas-powered cars and trucks.
Choosing to walk, bike, or take mass transit to get where you’re going can have a big impact when enough of us make small changes in how we get around. Drawdown Georgia researchers estimate that if we reduce vehicle miles traveled by just 2.5%, we can reduce emissions by 1 Megaton (Mt) by 2030.
With the help of the experts at Go Georgia (formerly Georgia Bikes), Drawdown Georgia has created a comprehensive new toolkit all about sustainable transportation options in our state to help you take action.
In 2023, the transportation sector accounted for 60 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions entering our atmosphere in Georgia. This includes emissions from passenger cars and light-duty vehicles, public transportation, and the large trucks and vans that handle shipping and deliveries across our state.
Our state has nearly 90,000 miles of roads and almost 8.5 million registered light-duty cars and trucks that burn gasoline or diesel fuel. Tailpipe exhaust from those vehicles includes not only the GHGs that contribute to climate change but also pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide that harm human health and cause smog and other environmental issues.
When we choose to drive less and use sustainable forms of transportation more often, we can have a significant positive impact on climate and air quality in Georgia.
Drawdown Georgia’s “What Are Sustainable Transportation Options in Georgia?” toolkit answers common questions about commuting by bicycle or on foot and offers advice about safety, too.
Some common questions and ideas addressed by the new toolkit include:
Ensuring that your bicycle is a good fit for your body and your commute will make your ride both comfortable and efficient. This section includes tips to help you ensure that the style of bike you are riding is right for you.
You will also find helpful advice about how to carry any gear you need for work, from your lunch to a change of clothes for the office.
If you live farther away from your workplace and don’t have a convenient mass transit option in your area, then carpooling is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your regular commute. The toolkit offers carpool planning tips and advice to set up an enjoyable commute with your colleagues.
Whether you are commuting by biking or walking or simply enjoying these activities for recreation, safety is an essential consideration. Even if you are a seasoned cyclist, taking the time to think about replacing an old helmet or adding a new light to increase visibility is always a good idea.
This toolkit shares important guidance to help you have fun using sustainable transportation and also ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.
If you are motivated to magnify your impact, taking action to make biking and walking safer and more accessible for all communities is a great way to get involved in scaling climate solutions in Georgia. Whether you want to join an existing advocacy group, start a new group to promote biking or walking in your area, or simply make your voice heard in support of sustainable transportation in your community: all of these scenarios represent opportunities to make a local impact.
If you’re ready to get more involved, this toolkit shares great ideas on how you can help make an impact in your community.
Whether you are interested in transportation resources like navigation tools and rebates for e-bikes, learning more about safety tips and traffic laws for cyclists, or getting involved with a sustainable transportation advocacy group in Georgia, our toolkit shares helpful resources you can use to keep learning and exploring.
Getting where you’re going by bicycle, electric scooter, or mass transit can be a satisfying and impactful way to help reduce GHG emissions on an individual level. Drawdown Georgia’s “What Are Sustainable Transportation Options in Georgia?” toolkit is a great resource if you are interested in enjoyable ways to reduce your carbon footprint from transportation.
If you would like to find out more about climate solutions that are particularly effective in Georgia, check out the complete library of Drawdown Georgia toolkits and join the growing number of Georgians working on climate solutions together.
Stay up to date on new Drawdown Georgia resources by subscribing to the Georgia Climate Digest. You’ll always be among the first to know about new events, tools, and offerings from Drawdown Georgia and also receive uplifting local news about climate solutions right in your inbox twice a month. Click the button below to subscribe now.