CO2 and Density
The EPA has decided that CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases pose a danger to the public. Will the Congress or the EPA take responsible actions? Legislation or Regulation seems more likely now. Instead of Cap and Trade or a Tax of some form, I prefer to be proactive. Little Rock and our surrounding region could offset our transportation, agricultural and buildings carbon emissions.
We could use Density, to offset our CO2 emissions. Recent studies in New Urban News show that people who live in cities and near transit generate substantially lower greenhouse emissions. A study by the International Institute for Environment and Development looked at 12 cities, and found that city dwellers generate far fewer CO2 than folks who live in the suburbs or rural areas. Households that live near transit produce 43 percent less greenhouse gases and those in central business districts produce the least emissions of all.
If Little Rock could embrace the benefits of Density in our urban core and public transit in its aggregate, then we should use Density to aid in lowering our CO2 emissions in our City and Region. In a concentrated core we could live healthier, more productive lives and contribute locally and globally.