Car sharing Creates Connections while Fostering Disaster Recovery

June 29, 2016 by Stephanie McCauley

carshareThe 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan swept away 60,000 cars in the city of Ishinomaki. Residents had a difficult time replacing their cars due to car shortages, lack of parking, and lack of money. In response, the Japan Car Sharing Association was created, making donated cars, along with free maintenance by a local university, available to those in need. Electric vehicles were added to some of the fleets in 2013, allowing for the purchase of supply units that could provide power during outages. In addition to alleviating transportation needs, the creation of this association also fostered conversations and connections between government, organizations, and citizens.

Climate Protection: Saves on vehicle emissions Energy & Mobility: Provides vehicles for those in need Resilience: Brings an alternative energy option during outages Jobs & Assets: Allows residents to save on transportation expenses Connection: Facilitates connection with other residents, government, and relief organizations

This post is part of a series on examples of multisolving, or climate-smart policies that simultaneously work to mitigate climate change while providing co-benefits such as the ones described above. The multiple benefits analysis was done using the FLOWER framework.