The electric power sector has long been the biggest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in the United States, but last year the transportation sector overtook it to become the largest source of CO2 for the first time since 1979. More than ever, disrupting the transportation sector has become critical to mitigate climate change.
Stakes are particularly high in the US, given that car ownership plays a central role in the American way of life. As of 2015, the average American household held a staggering 2.1 vehicles; and in 2013, 76.4% of American workers commuted to work by themselves in private vehicles. Bearing in mind that the average commute by passenger vehicle causes the emission of over 4,000 pounds of CO2 per year, as opposed to 820 pounds of CO2 when the same distance is covered via subway, slight adjustments in driving habits and commuting behaviours could dramatically reduce emissions. In New York City alone, if just 5% of commuters in private cars or taxis switched to public transportation, walking or cycling, 150M pounds of CO2 per year would be avoided. To achieve a similar result by planting trees, we would need about 20,000 acres or about 1.3 Manhattans.
There are obvious ways to reduce transport-related emissions, such as changes in driving style, carpooling, and adoption of electric vehicles. Research shows that if every American driver drove 1.25% less, used tires with rolling resistance 9% better than the current average, decreased the frequency of aggressive driving by 25%, each of these simple actions would reduce total emissions by 0.2% if performed by every American driver. Besides, in the past few years carpooling over short distances has soared due to the broadening offer of app-based ride-sharing options such as UberPool and Via, particularly popular amongst Millennials who increasingly spurn driver’s licenses. Finally, there has also been huge progress in the field of electric vehicles: yet, emission-free vehicles, Teslas and the likes, remain a privilege that only a happy few can afford.
However, we need bolder action to drive down emissions at the pace required to avoid the most dramatic effects of climate change. And Paris might yet lead the way. In 2011, the French capital rolled out an unprecedented fully electric open-access car-sharing scheme, called Autolib’. With a fleet of 4,000 “Bluecars” available for rental in Paris and the surrounding area, hundreds of stations, and guaranteed parking, riding with Autolib’ costs as little as $0.20/minute. Autolib’ is believed to reduce the costs of driving by 90%. As of 2016, the program had attracted about 200,000 subscribers cutting the number of private vehicle in circulation by more 36,000. As a result, it avoided 165M km/year driven by combustion engine vehicles, and about 50,000 tCO2 since inception. This urban revolution set an example that many French and European cities, including London, are following.
In the US, the first city to take the plunge was Indianapolis where the Bolloré Group, Autolib’s parent company, launched BlueIndy in 2014. The service initially comprised 52 electric cars, and 200 stations. However, unlike in Europe, the program has raised much criticism with shop-owners complaining about charging stations hogging parking spots and disgruntled taxpayers begrudging the fact that public money partially funds this project run by a French company… That nationalistic rivalries and short-term gains might supersede the common good is disheartening. Conscious citizens and smart policymakers should wholeheartedly champion electric car sharing schemes all around the country, as it is a matter of public health and quality of urban life. Indeed, Autolib’, BlueIndy and the likes effectively reduce pollution, congestion and noise. Ultimately, as more and more people and potential constituents flock into cities, electric car sharing schemes become precious assets as they make cities more liveable and the air more breathable.
To all mayors, representatives, senators and policymakers out there, we hope you make the turn sooner than later.