Analyzing Climate Action
CLIMATE PROJECT/ LESSON 3.4ACTIVITY ANALYZING CLIMATE ACTION1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “AnalyzingClimate Action”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/PurposeVarious levers of power can support the development of climate solutions. Analyzing real-world examples will support you as you determine what can be done and what obstacles stand in the way.Process1.Read the article below and then answer the questions that follow.California High-Speed Rail Plan Gets $54-Million BoostAdapted from an article by Flynn NichollsNewsweek(https://www.newsweek.com/california-high-speed-rail-54-million-boost-madera-central-valley-1959267)California’s ongoing high-speed rail project received a federal financial boost this week with the announcement of a $54-million grant for a new station in Madera in the Central Valley, around 20 miles northwest of Fresno.The funding comes as part of the Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, a component of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.The $54-million grant will help fund the construction of the Madera station’s new platforms, trackwork, overhead contact systems, a bus depot, expanded parking, and an access road.The high-speed rail station’s development follows years of delays and funding challenges for the statewide bullet train project, first proposed in 2008,to connect Los Angeles with San Francisco.Initially expected to be operational by 2020 at a projected cost of $33 billion, the project has seen its price tag balloon to an estimated $100 billion to eventually connect the two cities.Nonetheless, progress continues, with 119 miles of track already under construction in the Central Valley, which will be the initial operating segment of the line. That section is now expected to cost $35 billion.Once completed, it will have trains traveling at speeds exceeding 200 mph.
CLIMATE PROJECT / LESSON 3.4ACTIVITY ANALYZING CLIMATE ACTION22.Do you think the proposed solution in the article—installing a high-speed train line between San Francisco and Los Angeles—is a strong solution to address climate change? Why or why not?3.What obstacles has the project encountered?4.What action is the government taking to support this climate solution?
CLIMATE PROJECT / LESSON 3.4ACTIVITY ANALYZING CLIMATE ACTION35.Brainstorm some ways this climate solution could be supported at the other levers of power.BusinessNGOsIndividuals