Volts

Why housing is a pass/fail question for climate

39 snips
Mar 7, 2025
Matthew Lewis, Director of Communications for California YIMBY, dives into the pivotal relationship between housing and climate action. He argues that electric vehicles alone can't solve the climate crisis. Discussing the insurance crisis, he warns that it could lead to state bankruptcies. Lewis unpacks the challenges posed by NIMBYism against necessary urban density, advocating for thoughtful reform to promote 'gentle density.' The conversation highlights the urgent intersection of climate policy, housing affordability, and local resistance, urging forward-thinking solutions for sustainable urban living.
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ANECDOTE

VMT Revelation

  • Matthew Lewis discovered the link between housing and climate through a news article.
  • It revealed that California couldn't meet climate goals without reducing vehicle miles traveled, even with EVs.
INSIGHT

City Benefits

  • Electrifying the car fleet is not enough to achieve climate goals.
  • Cities offer economic, cultural, and political advantages, making them essential for human progress.
INSIGHT

Density Concerns

  • More compact communities require people to drive less, reducing reliance on personal vehicles.
  • One common argument against this concept revolves around concerns about urban trees and neighborhood character.
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