Climate change, also known as global warming, refers to the earth's warming climate. These effects are witnessed through increasingly turbulent weather patterns, glacial melting, rising sea levels, and species extinction. Although climate has fluctuated in the past, scientists now believe that the recent warming trend is primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. These effects can only be mitigated by changing the way we use those resources.
According to the EPA, transportation accounts for 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the US. As regulations and other expectations regarding corporate responsibility for GHG emissions are implemented, transportation-reliant companies will likely face challenges to their traditional business models - unless they start addressing their climate change issues today. Many changes result not only in lower emissions but also in long-run cost savings. These changes may include alternative fuel use and greater efficiency in operations.