Portland, Oregon, is succeeding in its efforts to

Portland, Oregon, is succeeding in its efforts to cut greenhouse gases — largely through public transportation and boosting pedestrian and bicycle activity, according to the New York Times. In 1993, Portland became the first local government to adopt a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases, a column by Nicholas Kristof stated. “The latest data, released [in June], show the results: Greenhouse gas emissions last year in Multnomah County, which includes Portland, dropped below the level of 1990, and per capita emissions were down 13 percent.” Kristof cited a major investment in public transit, including two light-rail lines, and 750 miles of bicycle trails. “The number of people commuting by foot or on bicycle has increased 10 percent,” Kristof stated. The city has also taken “innumerable little steps,” such as offering its employees a $25-per-month bus pass or carpool parking, encouraging businesses to subsidize bus commutes, and offering financial incentives and technical assistance for green building. Portland’s efforts undercut claims that making changes to reduce global warming would carry exorbitant economic costs. Kristoff observed, “Officials in Portland insist that the campaign to cut carbon emissions has entailed no significant economic price, and on the contrary has brought the city huge benefits: less tax money spent on energy, more convenient transportation, a greener city, and the expertise in energy efficiency that is helping local businesses win contracts worldwide.”