Individual behaviors—where we choose to live and how we commute—play a critical role in shaping carbon emissions. In North America, the growing trend of suburban sprawl, coupled with heavy reliance on personal vehicles, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.
In the U.S., transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for nearly 28% of the country’s total emissions, with personal vehicles accounting for the majority. Over 76% of Americans drive to work alone, reflecting the country’s deep reliance on cars for daily commutes. In Canada, transportation also accounts for 25% of the nation’s emissions, with personal vehicles being a significant driver of that figure.
Suburban living is a major factor in this car dependency. In suburban areas, public transportation is often limited or nonexistent, and distances between homes, workplaces, and essential services like grocery stores are typically much larger than in urban settings. This necessitates longer commutes and more frequent car trips. On average, suburban households emit roughly double the carbon emissions of urban households due to longer driving distances and the increased use of larger homes that require more energy for heating and cooling.
The growing preference for fuel-inefficient vehicles compounds the problem. In the U.S., SUVs and trucks made up 75% of new vehicle sales in 2021, despite their higher fuel consumption and emissions. This trend is consistent in Canada, where a similar rise in large vehicle ownership has been observed. These vehicles emit more carbon dioxide per mile compared to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, contributing significantly to rising transportation emissions.
Moreover, the issue is not just about long commutes. In the U.S in 2021, 52% of all trips, including all modes of transportation, were less than three miles, with 28% of trips less than one mile, yet most of these short journeys are still made by car. The lack of infrastructure to support walking, cycling, or public transportation options in suburban areas discourages residents from using more sustainable modes of transport. This contrasts sharply with urban areas, where more compact living and better access to public transit significantly reduce emissions per household. In densely populated cities with accessible public transportation, households produce less than half the carbon emissions of those in sprawling suburbs.
Addressing this problem requires large-scale changes in how suburban areas are planned and developed. Compact development, where homes, workplaces, and services are located closer together, can reduce the need for long car trips. Expanding public transportation options, building more pedestrian-friendly environments, and encouraging cycling can provide alternatives to car use, reducing both individual and societal emissions.
The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) offers another opportunity to reduce transportation-related emissions. However, without addressing the root cause—urban sprawl and car dependency—EV adoption alone may not be enough to meet climate goals. Supporting the development of EV infrastructure in suburban areas is a key step, but it must be complemented by a broader transition toward sustainable, walkable communities with more public transit options.
Ultimately, our choices about where we live and how we commute have far-reaching implications for the environment. Addressing the climate crisis requires not just systemic changes at the policy level but also individual action. By choosing to live in transit-friendly, walkable areas and reducing reliance on personal vehicles, individuals can make a meaningful impact in reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future. Governments and policymakers must also design cities in ways that encourage people to choose compact, dense living environments with access to sustainable transportation options, making low-carbon lifestyles more accessible, feasible and attractive.
Photo by Cyrill
