Final answer:
To prioritize an environmentally friendly transportation system according to Pillar 2, we must focus on clean fuels, improved fuel efficiency, smart urban planning to reduce the need for travel, and the promotion of biking and pedestrian initiatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Pillar 2, which addresses the need for an environmentally friendly transportation system, several transformational modes should be prioritized to mitigate the impact of emissions from the transportation sector. In 2018, the transportation sector was responsible for more than one quarter, specifically 28.2 percent, of emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels in the United States. A significant portion of these emissions were from passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs.
For a transformational shift towards sustainability, the focus should be on:
- Clean fuels that emit less carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants.
- Improved fuel efficiency in vehicles, reducing the amount of fuel required for travel.
- Reducing the need for travel through smart urban planning, which includes promoting telecommuting and videoconferencing to cut down on travel emissions.
- Supporting biking and pedestrian initiatives, encouraging non-motorized modes of transport.
Such transformational modes align with the overarching goals of environmental sustenance and economic efficiency exemplified by initiatives in countries like South Korea. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure that the transition to eco-friendly transportation is practical by designing vehicles that are comfortable, convenient, and affordable for commuters, and compatible with existing infrastructure such as roads and bridges.