How to Decrease Emissions

Americans responded to the economic crisis and rising oil prices in 2008 by driving less and purchasing fuel-efficient cars. Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle have looked at the effect of these trends on carbon dioxide emissions between October 2007 and April 2009. The authors found that “carbon dioxide emissions per driver from purchased new vehicles were lower in each month compared to October 2007.” The greatest decrease was in July 2008, when emissions were 12 percent lower than in October 2007. April 2009 emissions were 8 percent lower than in October 2007. Seems like higher gas prices do a pretty good job of decreasing emissions. [%comments]