City Dwellers Emit 70% Less Carbon from Transit than Suburbanites

city less emissions suburb photo
Photo via Zimbio

This news might not comes as much of shock, but a new study reveals that people living in urban areas emit 70% less carbon emissions in transit than folks living in the suburbs do. Well obviously, you might think--better public transit, less distance to travel--of course you'll have fewer carbon emissions. But 70% less is a pretty staggering number. Here's why the study helps invigorate the case for more urbanized, sustainable living.

First, the simple transit benefits of living in a city: (from the Environmental News Service)

""Cities are more location efficient - meaning key destinations are closer to where people live and work," said Scott Bernstein, president of the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

The CNT is the Chicago based nonprofit responsible for the study, which it completed by looking at emissions data across the country compiled by the EPA. They make a pretty good--if not exactly trailblazing--case for urban living.

"[Cities] require less time, money, fuel and greenhouse gas emissions for residents to meet their everyday travel needs. People can walk, bike, car-share, take public transit," he said. "So residents of cities and compact communities generate less CO2 per household than people who live in more dispersed communities, like many suburbs and outlying areas."

What's more, people who live in cities typically spend around 14% of their income on transportation, while those who live in suburban areas spend up to 28% or more on transportation. That's a pretty hefty chunk of your paycheck to spend getting from point A to point B.

So if you're looking into a move, consider moving to an urban area--you'll save $5,000 on gas annually, emit less carbon, and spend less time in transit. Cheaper, less environmentally taxing transportation is one of the primary reasons that urban areas are the more sustainable communities--and will be even more so in the future.

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