This sector summary introduces many ways humans can modify their infrastructure, mode of transport, or need for mobility in order to reduce emissions.
Over a dozen transportation solutions are presented in the sector and links to each are provided at the bottom of the page.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Teachers will find links to information that could complete an entire unit on transportation solutions.
The feasibility and timing of the solutions is briefly mentioned and the estimated reduction in emissions is presented for the entire sector.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers may wish to begin instruction with a brief discussion of how transportation affects climate change.
A definition list will be helpful for unfamiliar terms.
Differentiation
This article and the accompanying solutions can be used in social studies classes studying human behavior.
Small-group instruction can be used to have the groups research transportation solutions related to the issue of climate change.
English classes will be able to use the data to create argumentative or explanatory essays regarding the impact of transportation on the environment.
Urban planning and design students can use this introductory article to explore transportation design solutions for urban and rural communities.
Scientist Notes
This resource from Project Drawdown presents a comprehensive set of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector. The resource begins with the ubiquity of petroleum fuel in the transportation sector and the air pollution and GHG emissions that result. A set of thirteen solutions are then presented that focus on a shift to alternative forms of transportation, increased efficiency, and electrification. Each solution is formatted like a research paper and addresses opportunities, adoption, emissions, and finances. This resource is exceptionally well-sourced and presents an opportunity for students to investigate the solutions that are personally of interest. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Informational Text (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Reading: Science & Technical Subjects (6-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
