Gendering Climate Change through the Transport Sector

Citation:

Polk, Merritt. 2009. “Gendering Climate Change through the Transport Sector.” Kvinder, Køn & Forskning 3/4: 73–8.

Author: Merritt Polk

Annotation:

Summary: 
"The most pressing global environmental problem today is climate change. A variety of prominent reports all point to the seriousness and potential catastrophic consequences that will result unless radical changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are realized (IPCC 2007; Stern 2006). Despite the visibility of such debates, there is doubt regarding the willingness and ability of present generations to change their current behavior quickly enough to reduce the scope of future catastrophes. Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are a prime example where, both commercial and pri- vate use of fossil fuels are increasing at alarming rates despite international consensus regarding the need for massive reductions. One of the major points of contention stems from global inequalities regarding carbon dioxide emissions. Countries with low per capita levels of fossil fuel use do not see themselves as responsible for climate change and demand the right to continue their carbon based economic development. Highly motorized countries show little success or interest in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to the extent and in the time frame that may be required. Overall, a radical and immediate reduction of carbon dioxide from the transport sector is not seen as feasible in highly motorized countries, or fair to less motorized ones" (Polk 2009, 73-4). 

Topics: Environment, Climate Change, Gender, Infrastructure, Transportation

Year: 2009

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