Carbon Offsets
Amtrak encourages passengers to take practical steps to reduce carbon emissions where possible in order to reduce human impact on the environment. When you have reduced all you can, look in to carbon offsetting to mitigate any further greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsetting is the act of reducing an equal amount of carbon somewhere else to counterbalance the carbon emissions from your energy-using activities, your "carbon footprint." Your offset contributions support a variety of quality projects, such as renewable energy development, reforestation and technologies designed to improve energy efficiency.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As we go about our daily lives, each activity we participate in puts carbon dioxide into the air and contributes to an increase in greenhouse gasses. Yet, there are steps we can take reduce our impact. For example, traveling by train generates a lesser amount of carbon dioxide than either car or air travel.
*Includes calculated radiative forcing.
(Emissions factors based on calculations from the World Resources Institute)
Amtrak has also committed to a 6 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from our diesel locomotive fleet from 2003-2010 (from the baseline years of 1997-2001) with our participation in the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Members of the Exchange make voluntary commitments to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
