Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Smart Transportation Planning Leads to Thriving Communities
Send us Fan Mail Guests Miguel Morevac, Clean Rides Network, Campaign Manager Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans, Inc. The transportation sector is critical for our economy. We need to get to work, goods need to move freely, and there has always been something inherently American about the ability to get in your car and see the country. But there also many areas for improvement. The transportation sector accounts for roughly 40% of particulate matter emissions in most states. This is critical since elevated PM emissions directly lead to pulmonary and cardiovascular problems. The interstate highway systems were also built through eminent domain, often bisecting poor communities and erasing some of their history and culture. My guests this week are working toward better options and maximizing impacts whether at the micro levels (community) or macro (large infrastructure projects). The built environment is hard to untangle, and transportation is an unfortunate example of tragedy of the commons since its impacts are massed cumulatively but our decisions and views in this area are often individual. This was a great discussion and the energy and passion that Miguel and Sara have for these topics was palpable. Enjoy, and be sure to read the episode notes for useful resources from the episode. Episode Notes: Here's an AP article describing the Clean RIDES Network. Smarter Modes Calculator Support the show
