Vehicles are the single largest source of GHG emissions in San Diego and more than two-thirds of smog-forming emissions in San Diego County are generated from mobile sources. Air pollutants emitted from cars, diesel-powered trucks, buses and other heavy-duty equipment include oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as well as diesel particulate matter (PM). These mobile sources of emissions from residents, passenger and freight transportation, employees and visitors account for greater than 50% of all local GHG emissions. The City’s historic land use patterns have resulted in not only congestion and more air emissions that contribute to climate change, and impact the health of our most vulnerable residents, but have also have resulted in a decreased quality of life with longer time spent in cars.
Additionally, we see these same land use patterns and mobility investments result in fewer opportunities for residents to move safely by walking, rolling, or bicycling to work, school, shopping, services, friends, and family. Previous land use decisions emphasized suburban development that resulted in longer commutes and less efficient delivery of infrastructure; created neighborhoods without fresh and healthy food access or safe and enjoyable public spaces; bisected walkable communities with freeways; limited space for efficient transit service; and lacked sufficient local and regional pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Therefore, changing the City’s approach to land use planning and infrastructure is one of the most important and exciting ways the City can address climate change.