Motor vehicles release close to half the pollutants that dirty our air. What alternatives might be introduced to encourage a decrease in our use of automobiles and other vehicles with internal combustion engines?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Various alternatives could be introduced, including subsidies for mass transit and the installation of bike and walking paths. Carpooling could be encouraged on a large scale. A carbon tax on gasoline could be implemented to provide funds for alternative transportation, to encourage gas-efficient cars, and to reduce driving. A tax could be imposed on automobiles (similar to what is done in European countries), making cars very expensive to own. Cities and other municipalities could be encouraged (subsidies, etc.) to change land use planning to discourage sprawl and increase the proximity of homes to work and shopping. Parking lots could be taxed at a higher rate than other land uses. Fuel efficiency of cars should be increased, and cars with hybrid engines could be subsidized. Anything that would decrease car use and increase alternative transportation that does not directly or indirectly produce air pollution should be encouraged.