Transit Abundance is a Climate Solution

Transportation is accountable for the second greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US economy, largely due to our car dependent transportation system that calls for Americans to drive millions of miles every day to reach daily destinations. Despite widespread recognition of the need to provide more sustainable transportation options, investments in transit have not increased enough to shape land development in ways that reduce emissions. Instead, high costs to build and operate transit, along with mis-aligned, emissions intensive car-centric investment priorities continue to shape the transportation system. But what would it take to maximize investment and benefits from transit? Significantly increasing access to sustainable and affordable transit options will take both increased investment and systemic policy reform, but result in cascading benefits across health, equity, economic development, and climate. This session is hosted by the Metropolitan Abundance Project and the Parking Reform Network and is a part of The Urban Climate Solution track at NYC Climate Week 2026. View all events in the track at https://www.urbanclimatesolution.org/