The burning of fossil fuels by motor vehicles is one of the largest man-made sources of air pollution and a major contributor to global climate change. On one hand, the use of cars has provided unparalleled convenience and freedom to individuals and societies as whole, as well as having an immense cultural significance. On the other hand, cars – and the transportation sector as a whole – are also largely responsible for the increasing levels of greenhouse gases that are contributing to the heating of our planet.
In recent years, the rise of car ownership and their greater dependence for urban transportation has become a subject of controversy and debate, as the notion of sustainable mobility becomes more prevalent. Though cars can be powered by novel energy sources such as electricity and hydrogen, it is their consumption of petrol and diesel – largely derived from fossil fuels – that contributes to the majority of emissions. Burning of petrol and diesel emits oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide (CO2) – the primary global warming potential (GWP) contributor. By the end of 2019, the transportation sector was estimated to account for approximately 28% of global emissions, with CO2 emissions alone representing almost that same percent.
Apart from releasing different types of carbon into the atmosphere, cars also produce particulate matter, which can lead to breathing problems and many more health- related issues. It also increases global warming as some of it absorbs more solar energy, which in turn further raises temperature.
The implications of cars’ contribution to global warming are being felt in day-to-day life around the world. Extreme weather events have been on the rise, affecting regions in both the developed and developing world, as well as fragile ecosystems and species. Rising sea levels in low-lying areas due to melting polar ice caps have put hundreds of coastline cities at risk of flooding, while conflict over access to resources like water, electricity and food are becoming more frequent.
The magnitude of global warming’s effects can only be lessened through concerted and wide-reaching action. Steps to reduce car usage altogether, or at least limit it to certain areas, have already been taken by various countries. This includes efficient public transportation systems, carpooling, as well as providing incentives to switch to electric vehicles powered by renewable energy sources. There are also attempts to reduce fuel consumption by improving the efficiency of car engines, offering more fuel-efficient vehicles, and encouraging more responsible driving habits such as accelerating and decelerating at moderate speeds.
Though cars have brought significant improvements to lifestyles and increased global connectivity, their environmental cost must also not be ignored. By taking pro-active steps to reduce consumption and emissions, the world has a chance to have a positive impact on the environment, while still maintaining the advantages offered by the car. The time to act is now, and if we all work together, we can make meaningful progress against global warming and preserve the planet for future generations.
