Reducing Pollution through Ridesharing
Automobiles contribute more to air quality problems than any other source in the United States. They are responsible for 27% of the nation's hydrocarbon emissions, 51% of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, 20% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and 18% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The reduction of driving is key to improving air quality, reducing pollution and combating global climate change. Ridesharing reduces the number of cars on the road, thus directly lessening the quantity of harmful gasses emitted into the atmosphere. The following is a table of annual vehicle emissions (Commuter Choice Program):
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ANNUAL EMISSIONS FOR THE "AVERAGE" |
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Pollutant |
Emission Factor (grams/mile) |
Annual Emissions (lbs)* |
Passenger Car |
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Hydrocarbons |
2.9 |
77 |
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Carbon Monoxide |
22.0 |
582 |
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Nitrogen Oxides |
1.5 |
40 |
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Carbon Dioxide |
363.2 |
9,600 |
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Light Truck** |
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Hydrocarbons |
3.7 |
98 |
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Carbon Monoxide |
29.0 |
767 |
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Nitrogen Oxides |
1.9 |
50 |
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Carbon Dioxide |
544.8 |
14,400 |
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* Emissions estimates presume average annual mileage of 12,000. |
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** Light trucks include pickups, vans, minivans and sports-utility vehicles. |
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RATIONALE
EFFORT REQUIRED
BENEFIT
ACTION AGENT
COST
A term used for significant changes over an extended period of time in the Earth's natural environments. Climate change can be produced by natural processes (e.g. changes in the Earth's orbit) or by the impact of human behavior (e.g. deforestation). See GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE.An odorless, colorless, highly poisonous gas that is produced as the result of the incomplete combustion of carbon, e.g. the burning of gasoline in automotive engines.A method of transportation where people will collaborate on their driving needs in order to reduce the number of cars on the roads. An example of car pooling is co-workers who live near each other driving to work together. See also CAR POOLING.
