By checking routes for air traffic conflicts, wind conditions and airspace constraints, Computers can automatically tell an airlines operations center and flight crew when a more fuel-efficient path opens up. Projections show that this can save more than 40,000 minutes of flight time per year for a medium-size U.S. airline such as Allegiant Air who’s routes are pictured above. This would mean 2.5 million gallons less fuel used a year. Multiply this times the number of airlines and the reduction in emissions would be substantial. The more computerized a car is, the more optimized it can be for efficiency, sticking to the most direct routes, driving in the most efficient manner (avoiding lots of quick acceleration and reducing fuel consumption. Networks and GPS navigation systems make driving more efficient. Several companies provide services that use computers to monitor a drivers performance to improve efficiency. Robotic cars, which are being developed by Google, could make cars more efficient by allowing them to drive closer together at high speeds without fear of accidents. This would also allow cars to be built lighter, thus saving even more fuel. Since the late 1990’s, Railroads across the United States have been embracing computer technology to improve operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. From building energy efficient Data Centers, computerizing all locomotives and railways to using computers and GPS to locate and replace bad ties along the railroad. Moving freight by rail is three times more fuel-efficient than transporting freight on the highway. Trains can move a ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, and one freight train can move goods of more than 280 trucks. Although Transportation sources contributed approximately 27 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2008, these efforts to reduce emissions from transportation sources can greatly affect the world. In fact, technological advances, including the use of computers, are quickly transforming this sector into a key source of greenhouse gas reductions.

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