ABCs of Pollution and Your Control | David Klanecky | TEDxLSU

Summary

David Kineski, a chemical engineer and business leader, discusses the devastating impact of transportation on both the environment and public health. He highlights staggering statistics, such as 32,000 annual traffic fatalities and 70,000 deaths from air pollution, emphasizing that transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. Kineski advocates for electric vehicles and fleet transformation as solutions, pointing out their potential to drastically reduce emissions. He urges individuals to recognize the power of small, collective actions in tackling these complex issues, ultimately aiming to protect health and create a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 🚗 32,000 people die annually in traffic accidents, while 70,000 die from air pollution.
• 👨‍👧‍👧 The speaker, David Kineski, emphasizes the impact of transportation and pollution on future generations, particularly his daughters.
• 🌍 Transportation contributes to 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally.
• ⛽ Each gallon of gasoline consumed produces approximately 24 pounds of CO2.
• 🏟️ The daily CO2 emissions from gasoline consumption could fill the Superdome in New Orleans over 600 times.
• 🔋 Transitioning fleet vehicles to electric could eliminate 1 billion tons of CO2 over 15 years.
• 🎈 1 billion tons of CO2 would create a balloon 30 feet in diameter, enough to circle the Earth 230 times.
• 🍏 The food industry is highly regulated, but there is no equivalent regulation for air quality standards.
• 😷 The WHO warns that anything above 25 parts per million of particulate matter in the air is unsafe.
• 👶 1 in 8 children will develop a respiratory illness before they turn 13 due to air pollution.
• 🌱 The speaker encourages collective action and the search for alternative energy sources in transportation.

Q & A

What are the main causes of death related to transportation and air pollution?

Each year, 32,000 people die due to traffic accidents, and an additional 70,000 die from air pollution.

How significant is the impact of transportation on greenhouse gas emissions?

Transportation accounts for 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

What is the CO2 emission per gallon of gasoline consumed by vehicles?

For every gallon of gasoline consumed, approximately 24 pounds of CO2 is produced.

What could be the impact of converting fleet vehicles to electric?

Converting fleet vehicles to electric could eliminate 1 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere over the next 15 years.

What are particulate matter, and why are they a health concern?

Particulate matter refers to fine particles in the air that can be harmful when inhaled. The World Health Organization considers levels above 25 parts per million unsafe.

What was the air quality level in Shanghai during the speaker's visit?

The air quality index in Shanghai reached 223 parts per million, which is ten times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

What alarming statistic did the speaker provide about children and respiratory illnesses?

One in eight children in the U.S. is expected to develop a respiratory illness before becoming a teenager.

What common arguments against electric vehicles does the speaker address?

The speaker mentions concerns about the cost, charging time, and the convenience of gas vehicles as common arguments against electric vehicles.

How does the speaker frame the discussion about transportation and health?

The speaker emphasizes that the discussion should focus not just on economic factors, but also on the health impacts for families and communities.

What is the main call to action at the end of the speech?

The speaker urges the audience to consider what actions they can take to ensure a healthier and safer future for themselves and their families.