Global warming comes with a big price tag for every country in the world. The 80 percent reduction in U.S. emissions needed to stop climate change may not come cheaply, but the cost of failing to act will be much greater. New research shows that if present trends continue, the total cost of global warming will be as high as 3.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Four global warming impacts alone -- hurricane damage, real estate losses, energy costs, and water costs -- will come with a price tag of 1.8 percent of U.S. GDP, or almost $1.9 trillion annually (in today's dollars) by 2100 (1).  Read More

The majority of the traveling public who use road systems in the winter time really do not understand the complexity and environmental issues associated with winter road maintenance.  Many drivers expect to safely and expeditiously travel on road systems no matter how sever the snowstorm event or they expect to drive on bare pavement immediately after a storm.  Many of the maintenance departments do such a good job that some drivers do not have adequate vehicles and snow tires.  This driver expectation comes with an environmental and a highway operational price that is often hidden to the general public. One of the main sustainable transportation challenges associated with highway operations is the use of traction sand and excess application of chemical de-icing/anti-icing agents. Read More