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Rising carbon dioxide emissions generated by vehicles has contributed to an epidemic that’s resulted in widespread sickness and death across the U.S.

America isn’t the only nation suffering; cities all over the world are experiencing decreased air quality due to pollution, causing many people to develop chronic health problems such as asthma, respiratory infections and other breathing difficulties.

Air pollution is believed to cause an estimated 200,000 early deaths in the U.S., according to an MIT study released in 2013. The study identified traffic emissions as the single leading cause of air pollution, making city-dwellers the perfect target.

Air pollutants not only adversely affect people and the environment but are also costly. However, a new report released by the University of California has an answer, and it’s a relatively simple one. Use fewer cars.

Riding your bike or walking could save trillions over the next 35 years

Expanding public transportation could save the public and private sectors more than $100 trillion from now to 2050, according to UC Davis. Using other methods of mobility, like walking and biking, could reduce carbon dioxide emissions to just 1,700 megatons per year in 2050.

Enforcing stricter pollution control regulations, including expanding the use of ultralow-sulfur fuels, could help prevent an estimated 1.4 million early deaths annually resulting from vehicle tailpipe emissions by 2050, according to an analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation.

By doubling motor vehicle fuel economy, officials estimate that CO2 emissions could be reduced by an additional 700 megatons in 2050.