Vision 2050 – A 21st Century Transportation System for Wisconsin

We are excited to share our new report, Vision 2050, made in collaboration with 1000 Friend’s founding member Dan Cornwell.

The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that in order to prevent irreversible and catastrophic climate change, we must keep global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Vision 2050

In the face of the climate crisis, it is important to know that transportation is the largest and fastest growing sector of carbon emissions, accelerating climate change emissions and threatening communities and ecosystems across the planet.

Moving to a zero-emissions transportation system is critical to addressing the IPCC’s dire warning. While electric generation utilities have taken the first step by committing to produce renewable energy, the pathway forward for the transportation sector remains less clear.

Our new report explores Wisconsin’s existing transportation system and why it must be reformed. In includes an in-depth discussion of available and emerging technologies, pathways for transportation, and finally a vision of a transportation system that is carbon-free and works for everyone.

Our funding decisions over the last seventy years have predominantly focused on car-centric infrastructure. While this has created a well-connected road network, it has hindered those who do not, or cannot drive. For many, our transportation system is a detriment, especially for those who rely on other forms of travel outside of personal automobiles.

The Vision 2050 report explores what policies and budgetary acts are required to move to a zero-carbon transportation system.

The goal of this report is to provide a vision for a clean, safe, and inclusive transportation system for Wisconsin that will enable informed decision-making.

A special thanks to Dan Cornwell, whose support and guidance made this report possible.