One of the goals of The Manitoba Student Transportation Network is to reduce the number of SOV (single occupancy vehicles) that commute to and from Manitoba high schools and universities. MSTN seeks to achieve this goal by increasing awareness of climate change and transportation issues, and supporting student leaders in their attempts to foster awareness and participation at their schools and in their communities.

• The last two decades have been the warmest recorded in history. Temperatures on the Earth are regulated by greenhouse gases that trap the heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping into space. The levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere have been increasing far beyond natural rates. Our climate is changing as a result of this, and evidence exists to prove that it is mostly a result of human activity. Sea levels are rising, glaciers are retreating, heat waves and severe weather events such as hurricanes are occurring in many parts of the world. For those of us who live in the Prairies, we have recently seen some of the negative effects of climate change such as droughts and forest fires.

• Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas production in Canada. The actions of individuals produce more than a quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, with each person emitting, on average, about 5.5 tonnes per year. At least half of these emissions are a result of our transportation choices.

• According to research conducted by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, in Manitoba, 55% of youth aged 12-19 are not active enough for optimal growth and development. Girls tend to be less active than boys, with 64% of girls and 52% of boys being considered physically inactive. Active commuting such as walking, cycling, boarding or blading can be an easy way to make a positive change in your lifestyle.

• Aside from polluting the air we breathe, too many cars driving to schools create huge traffic and parking nightmares. This affects the community around the school as well, making it difficult for people to get around at peak traffic times of the day.

• Many students cannot afford to buy their own car, or do not have family or friends to drive them to and from school. It is important to be aware of the benefits of alternative forms of transportation and make everyone feel comfortable using them.