The ways people and goods move from place to place is going to be a major challenge as the world warms. But it’s also a chance to make things better by cutting pollution and improving lives.

As storms, floods, rising sea levels, and extreme heat get worse, our roads, bridges, and other transportation systems will be affected. For example, in 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and destroyed much of the island’s roads and electricity. Years later, some roads and bridges still haven’t been fixed, which has made travel longer and more dangerous. In rural areas, this has been especially bad because people often rely on just one road or bridge to get to stores and hospitals.

Right now, most transportation relies on fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), which create pollution and heat up the planet. In fact, transportation is responsible for about 21% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. To address climate change, we need to switch to cleaner fuel for cars, buses, planes, and ships. This will not only reduce pollution but will also help protect people from high fuel prices as fossil fuels are used less.

This transformation is already underway. In 2023, almost one in five cars sold worldwide was electric. But it’s not just about cars—big trucks, ships, and airplanes will need new fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels, to keep moving. Since electric cars and buses need electricity, we also need more renewable energy, like wind and solar power. While electric vehicles (EVs) are getting cheaper, they’re still too expensive for many people. Thankfully, government programs and new technology can help make them more affordable.

Cities are also working to make transportation better. Many are encouraging people to walk, bike, or use buses and trains more. They are making public transportation run more often, building bike lanes, and changing roads to make walking safer.

But changing how we travel isn’t just about roads and vehicles—it’s also about the choices we make. Getting people to use public transport more or take fewer flights won’t happen overnight. But many cities and people are working toward a better future. To take on climate change, we’ll need to change not just our transportation but also how we live.