Transportation

Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution problems in Canada. Cars are the worst form of transportation, since they cause urban blight with enormous road infrastructure and pollute water through exhaust, road runoff and waste from auto maintenance. By driving smarter, you can reduce your environmental impact and protect nature.

Essential Facts

• In Canada alone, at least 16,000 premature deaths can be attributed to air pollution. Many more people suffer from respiratory ailments, such as asthma, which are aggravated by air pollutants.
  
  
• Today, there are approximately 17 million light-duty trucks such as SUVs, passenger vans and pickups on the road. Together they are responsible for about 15 per cent of Canada's total carbon dioxide emissions.
  
  
• Although cars are becoming lighter, more fuel-efficient and less polluting, vehicle emissions continue to rise. Canadians are buying more and bigger cars, which they drive more often for longer distances.
  
  
• To learn more, visit the EcoENERGY website and read our Nature Challenge newsletter.

Download the Green Guide (PDF)
Download the Science of the Challenge. (PDF)