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I'm Dr. Anthony Lyzewitz and this is Climate Connections. During rush hour, highways and city streets fill with cars that emit tailpipe pollution. This pollution harms people's health and warms the climate. In the U.S. cars and light trucks produce about 16% of the country's climate warming emissions. But there's a simple way to reduce that pollution. Carpooling. When people share a ride instead of driving alone, fewer cars hit the road. That means less traffic, less pollution, and cleaner air. Plus, you can save money on gas by splitting expenses. And in some areas, you can use carpool lanes that move faster and offer reduced tolls. Carpooling can be as easy as riding with friends to dinner or events, or driving to work with a neighbor or co worker. You can also use a carpool app or website to organize commutes or out of town trips with others in your community. To help things go smoothly, set expectations early. Who drives when, what to play on the radio, and how to split gas and parking costs. And if plans change, like if a car breaks down, communicate quickly and have a backup plan ready when organized. Well, carpooling can save money and even spark new friendships, all while helping fight climate change. Climate Connections is produced by the Yale center for Environmental Communication. To learn more about climate change, visit climateconnections.org.
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
Date: May 18, 2026
This short, focused episode explains how carpooling, a simple everyday action, offers multiple benefits—not only cutting commute costs but also improving air quality and fighting climate change. Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz highlights personal and collective gains, showing how climate-conscious choices are accessible to everyone.
"During rush hour, highways and city streets fill with cars that emit tailpipe pollution. This pollution harms people's health and warms the climate."
"In the U.S. cars and light trucks produce about 16% of the country's climate-warming emissions.” [00:14]
"When people share a ride instead of driving alone, fewer cars hit the road. That means less traffic, less pollution, and cleaner air.” [00:20]
"You can save money on gas by splitting expenses." [00:25]
"In some areas, you can use carpool lanes that move faster and offer reduced tolls.” [00:28]
"Who drives when, what to play on the radio, and how to split gas and parking costs." [00:39]
"If a car breaks down, communicate quickly and have a backup plan ready." [00:44]
"Well, carpooling can save money and even spark new friendships, all while helping fight climate change." [00:50]
“In the U.S. cars and light trucks produce about 16% of the country's climate-warming emissions.”
— Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz [00:14]
“When people share a ride instead of driving alone, fewer cars hit the road. That means less traffic, less pollution, and cleaner air.”
— Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz [00:20]
“Carpooling can save money and even spark new friendships, all while helping fight climate change.”
— Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz [00:50]
Dr. Leiserowitz succinctly connects the dots between individual transportation choices and their broader environmental impact. He makes a compelling case for carpooling—it's easy, cost-saving, climate-friendly, and a potential catalyst for new friendships. The episode's optimistic, practical advice encourages listeners to take this small but impactful step in their daily lives.