Vancouver has a wonderful Climate Emergency Action Plan (https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/vancouvers-climate-emergency.aspx ) that increases resource efficiency (it significantly reduces per capita energy and land consumption), plus housing and transportation affordability and economic opportunity for disadvantaged groups. What’s not to like?
In our region, Cities for Everyone (http://citiesforeveryone.org ) has similar policy recommendations. Attached are our “Affordable and Inclusive Neighborhood Plan” and our “Efficient and Equitable Transportation Plan”, which together could achieve our climate emission reduction targets while achieving social equity and health goals. Here is our latest newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/d877b1ce18eb/february-news ), you can subscribe on the website homepage.
My report, “Win-Win Transportation Emission Reduction Strategies. Smart Transportation Strategies Can Reduce Pollution Emissions and Provide Other Important Economic, Social and Environmental Benefits” (www.vtpi.org/wwclimate.pdf ) provides information on various policies that can reduce transportation emissions by 30-60% while also achieving other social and economic goals. The most effective ones accommodate the growing demand for resource-efficient transportation lifestyles. Although few motorists want to forego driving altogether, surveys indicate that most would prefer to drive less than they do now, rely more on resource-efficient modes, and live in more walkable neighborhoods, provided they are convenient, comfortable and affordable; our policy challenge is to respond to those demands.
I also love the new Street Smart (www.thinkstreetsmart.org) clearinghouse that provides comprehensive, evidence-based information for integrating climate change, public health, and equity concerns into transportation planning.
Lastly, a shout-out to Aotearoa (New Zealand), whose high level Climate Change Commission (www.climatecommission.govt.nz) recently released its Draft Advice for Consultation (https://bit.ly/3jQJTDC ) that describes how climate protection can incorporate community values and strategic goals. Well done Aotearoa!
Many local officials that I speak with are ready to support these reforms if they can be confident that there is broad public support. It is up to us, as community leaders, to build bottom-up support for more efficient and affordable transportation and development policies.