This week we are still holding discussions focused on transportation and we are doing the part two interview with Dylan Mullenix and Allison van Pelt from the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Dylan is the Assistant Director of the Des Moines Area MPO and Allison van Pelt is the Senior Planner focused on environmental resiliency from the DM Area MPO.
As cited in a World Economic Forum article Why the future of sustainability starts with mobility, by Sandra Caballero and Matteo Tanzilli, April 30, 2021, “The way our society consumes resources, plans cities, manages waste and designs transportation systems suggests there are significant hurdles to globally achieving the social and environmental goals we set for ourselves. Transportation is currently the largest producer of energy-related CO2 emissions accounting for 24%; 74.5% of transport emissions come from road vehicles.”
Transportation is an important topic to be discussing and re-thinking when we are looking for viable solutions to climate change. Tune in to this week’s conversation to learn more.
Key Takeaways from our discussion:
- Transportation is influenced by land use, social status, and economic status
- Incrementalism is the best process for change within the transportation system
- Big changes in our transportation infrastructure will require political will as well as the will of the people regarding decision making in their own lives
- The Invest in America Act is currently on the table at the federal level
- What we really need is social and behavioral change
- We need education outlets to all to make sure streets are safe for all
- Providing options for transportation choices is key in encouraging the will of the people to make changes
- The private sector needs to be part of the solution to transportation infrastructure changes that prepare us for a more resilient, more sustainable future
- The new Transload Facility in Des Moines allows trucks and rail to interact – saving on costs and CO2 emmissions
- If you want to see more climate friendly transportation options, talk with your elected officials at all levels. Put your voice out there. Let them know this is a priority.
- In your own life, think about your options before you jump in your car – your first mile and your last mile.
- Think about de-programming your current transportation habits.
- Remember it took us 50 years to get to this point; we need to be persistent but patient.
“Rebuilding and rethinking our infrastructure is an opportunity
to create more connected communities.
That’s a win for everyone,
No matter how you get around.”
~ from the Invest in America Act
“Sustainable development is the pathway
To the future we want for all.
It offers a framework to
Generate economic growth,
Achieve social justice,
Exercise environmental stewardship,
And strengthen governance.”
~ Ban Ki-moon
Thank you for listening to today’s discussion. Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other.