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6.0 Module Learning Objectives
6.0 Module Learning Objectives
After completion of this module, you will be able to:
Recognize the contribution that transportation makes to climate change
Understand why and how the shift to electric vehicles is happening in CA
Identify techniques to reduce personal transportation emissions
Make informed decisions about your commute
6.1 The Petroleum Problem
6.1 The Petroleum Problem
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Image 6.1 Cars gridlocked in traffic
Transportation emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions created by cars, heavy-duty vehicles, planes, and railways. The majority of these emissions result from the burning of fossil fuels, finite resources that are extracted from the Earth for energy production. Fossil fuels include coal, gasoline, and diesel. When fossil fuels are combusted, they release carbon, methane, and other toxic gases into the atmosphere. The two main environmental hazards that come along with burning fossil fuels are contributions climate change and air pollution.
Transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. More, emissions have increased more within the transportation sector than any other sector over the last thirty years. Air pollution is caused by tiny particulates and ozone that are released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are combusted. Air pollution and climate change both disproportionately affect low-income communities of color, reminding us once again why seeking just transitions to the transportation issue is essential to building climate-resilient communities.
6.2 Emissions for CLPCCD, California, and Beyond
6.2 Emissions for CLPCCD, California, and Beyond
Chabot College
Chabot College
Commuting is a major source of both campuses' greenhouse gas emissions. 72 percent of Chabot's total emissions were from transportation in 2018.
Las Positas College
Las Positas College
Las Positas generates slightly higher transportation emissions. 80 percent of the college's total greenhouse gas emissions were from transportation in 2018.
California
California
Transportation is the leading source of emissions in California. 40 percent of the state's total greenhouse gas emissions were from transportation in 2019.
United States
United States
Transportation is the leading source of emissions in the United States. 29 percent of the country's total greenhouse emissions were from transportation in 2019.
6.3 Electric Vehicles (EVs)
6.3 Electric Vehicles (EVs)
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Image 6.2 Electric vehicles charging
Electric vehicles, or zero-emission vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run off the grid instead of gas. Instead of filling your tank with gas, you plug in your car to charge like you would with your phone. Electric vehicles are beneficial because they eliminate the direct greenhouse gas emissions created by fuel combustion while driving. They also require much less maintenance than conventional vehicles. Some have raised concerns about indirect emissions in EV production since the entire lifecycle of the car has to be considered when calculating emissions. We will talk more about lifecycle analysis in the Zero Waste module. However, research has shown that the total lifecycle emissions of driving an electric car are about 60 to 70 percent lower in comparison to a conventional vehicle.
California is "paving the road" for electric vehicle sales across the country, selling seven times more electric cars than the next highest state. The state is also leading the nation in terms of increasing EV accessibility through tax incentives and expanding charging networks. This is largely in part because the state has been investing in EVs, similarly to how we once did conventional vehicles. By 2030, California hopes to have five million zero-emission vehicles on the road.
EV Equity
EV Equity
Adopting electric vehicles is the most widely accepted solution to reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. However, switching to an electric car is much easier for the wealthy. Electric cars are substantially more expensive upfront than conventional vehicles, and ironically, many tax break incentives are only available to the people who earn enough to qualify. This video does a great job of explaining why electric vehicles are not currently the most equitable solution to the transportation issue. But as the manufacturing of EVs continues to increase, the cost barrier is expected to decrease. Multiple public and non-profit organizations (linked below in Get Involved) across California are working to increase access to EVs in middle and low-income communities.
6.4 Alternate Transportation
6.4 Alternate Transportation
Engaging in alternate transportation is one of the most direct ways to reduce your contribution to climate change, as you're able to literally reduce the amount of carbon being emitted into the atmosphere. Public transportation vastly reduces the total amount of carbon emitted per person, while active transportation eliminates emissions altogether. Alternate transportation is important because it addresses the drawbacks that come with private transportation and the adoption of electric vehicles that were discussed in this module.
It doesn't take a scientist to observe that alternate transportation is not convenient nor widely adopted in the United States. My drive to work takes me only 30 minutes, but public transit would require over two hours to travel one way. Alternate transportation is not a viable option for the average person due to the country's historical investments in the oil and gas industries and increasing urban sprawl. Basically, there are a lot of incentives to drive a car. This video (also linked in Additional Resources) explains more about why public transportation is inefficient and disregarded in the States. At CLPCCD, we are working to create strategies that incentivize students and staff to use alternative transportation on and around campus.
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
The Bay Area has a variety of public transportation options available. The BART train is the main public route that spans the Bay Area. Chabot is situated between the Hayward/South Hayward stops while Las Positas sits beyond the Dublin/Pleasanton station. The local bus authority connects BART to each college. The resources below can help you access more information about how to access public transportation within your city.
BART: train service, serves the San Francisco Bay Area
AC Transit: bus service, serves City of Hayward
Wheels: bus service, serves City of Livermore
Altamont Corridor Express (ACE): train service, serves Livermore to Tracy (students receive a 50% discount on the monthly pass)
If you live below the poverty line, you can receive reduced rates on public transportation through Clipper START.
Photo Source
Image 6.3 This map displays where all current BART stations are located after recent expansions to the lines
Image 6.4 This map displays where the bike racks are located on Las Positas' campus for students to safely store their bicycles
Active Transportation
Active Transportation
Walking and/or biking (active transportation) is a beneficial transportation method in multiple regards. Active transportation is the only method that results in absolutely zero carbon emissions. Not only does it completely eliminate emissions associated with driving, but it also increases exercise. Exercise boosts mental health and releases stress, which is conducive to improving cognitive function and performance in work and school.
Active transportation has been gaining popularity in recent years in response to the climate crisis. City planners are now looking to increase active transportation after centuries of focusing on expanding private transportation infrastructure. For example, the City of Hayward is implementing a Bicycle Master Plan to make biking safer and more accessible.
6.5 What is CLPCCD doing?
6.5 What is CLPCCD doing?
Las Positas College currently partners with the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LATVA) to offer students, faculty, and staff free bus service. Your LPC student ID serves as your bus pass. The 30R bus comes to campus every 15 minutes, making public transportation a quick and convenient option.
Campus EV Transition
Campus EV Transition
Chabot and Las Positas offer free EV charging to students who drive electric vehicles. There are a total of 46 electric vehicle chargers placed between the two campuses. By installing EV charging stations, CLPCCD was able to divert 77,788 kg of greenhouse gases in the 2018-19 school year. As EVs become more widely adopted, CLPCCD is planning to increase the amount of charging stations and begin transitioning the campus fleet to electric vehicles.
6.6 What can I do?
6.6 What can I do?
Purchase locally sourced foods. This will reduce carbon emissions associated with the transport of food.
Take public transit, ride your bike, or walk to and from work/school.
Carpool with friends to school.
Shop locally and avoid excessive online shopping. This supports local businesses, minimizes wasteful packaging, and reduces related transportation emissions.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You can improve your gas mileage by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Better gas mileage means fewer trips to the pump and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
6.7 Additional Resources
6.7 Additional Resources
6.8 Quiz
6.8 Quiz
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