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The Effects Of Transportation On The Environment

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As the need for transportation increases, so do the effects of transportation on the environment (Rodrigue, Comtois and Slack). It is reported that in 2013, that transportation produced over half of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides that were released into the atmosphere (Cars, Trucks, and Air Pollution). Semi-trucks use diesel, which is a fossil fuel that releases less contaminants than gasoline, however they are still causing damage to the environment (Beach). While the economy depends on transportation of goods by trucking companies, the environment is suffering from the negative effects of trucking including exposure to emissions, acidic rain and the effects on health. While transportation by large trucks is necessary for the economy, these trucks use large amounts of diesel fuel which releases pollutants into the environment causing damage to the climate. (Rodrigue, Comtois and Slack). Even the newer, more efficient trucks still create air pollution (Beach). Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide are two of the chemicals released by emissions that have a direct impact on the ecosystem and climate (Rodrigue, Comtois and Slack). The extent of the environmental effects, such as climate change due to these gases plus the many other gases released by emission has been an ongoing debate (Rodrigue, Comtois and Slack). Nitrous oxide is believed to be depleting the ozone layer, whereas carbon dioxide is effecting global warming (Rodrigue, Comtois and Slack). The gases released

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