TL/DR –
So, wild weather has been storming across the US, and the US Department of Transportation is playing catch-up, trying to make sure our roads and bridges can handle it. They’re tossing millions in grants to boost climate-resilient infrastructure, but let’s be real: our transport sector’s still the top carbon diva, puffing out more pollution than any other. With the Justice40 initiative aiming to dish out 40% of climate investment benefits to communities who’ve gotten the short end of the stick, it’s high time we see some real change that doesn’t just look good on paper.
In recent months, storms have devastated several US states, claiming hundreds of lives. Recent extreme weather—including heat, fires, and floods—has plagued North America, highlighting the US Department of Transportation’s (USDoT) push for sustainable, resilient transportation systems.
USDoT is integrating climate resilience into transportation decision-making, promoting investments with climate-savvy features. This initiative includes the Center for Emissions Reduction, Resiliency and Climate Equity in Transportation at Rutgers University.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law channels funds to projects mitigating climate change impacts on infrastructure.
Promoting resilience
In April, USDoT allocated $830 million via the Protect grant program to enhance transportation resilience against climate impacts like flooding and wildfires. This complements $7.3 billion in formula funding for states.
USDoT’s Climate Adaptation Plan 2024-27 underscores a long-standing commitment to addressing climate impacts. Its Climate Change Center was founded in 1999, and the Federal Highways Administration has been evaluating climate impacts since 2002.
Frequent severe weather affects supply chains and travel safety, while transportation remains a top carbon polluter. The Biden-Harris Justice40 initiative aims to direct 40% of benefits from climate-related investments to disadvantaged communities.
The government strives to build transportation systems that cut emissions, withstand climate change, and advance environmental justice, despite the complexity involved.
Climate and transportation
This summer, USDoT’s Climate and Transportation Symposium spotlighted climate solutions and introduced the Carbon Reduction Formula Program. The $6.4 billion initiative funds projects to cut emissions through sustainable transport solutions.
What is USDoT’s Climate Adaptation Plan 2024-27?
The plan’s priorities connect transportation with environmental goals by supporting climate-smart infrastructure, enhancing coordination of resilience and justice activities, leveraging federal climate data, and executing projects to mitigate climate impacts on federal operations.
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Original Story at www.itsinternational.com
