It’s no secret that the car has become an integral part of global society. Whether for work, leisure or transport, cars are a necessary part of everyday life that drive development and economic growth. But with this increased convenience and mobility comes a responsibility to acknowledge their impact on the environment. The burning of fossil fuels and the subsequent release of pollutants into the atmosphere is one of the key factors contributing to global warming. In this article, we explore how and why cars are affecting global warming, and what this means for our future and the environment.
According to a study commissioned by Nature Climate Change, emissions from passenger and commercial vehicles account for more than 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is significantly higher in some developed countries, including the US and Australia, which produce more than 50% of emissions from transport alone. In addition to the direct production of emissions from tailpipe exhaust, cars also emit an invisible form of pollution through the so-called ‘heat island’ effect, whereby asphalt and concrete surfaces absorb additional heat, resulting in warmer air and ground temperatures.
The transportation sector produces a wide range of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Of these, it is believed that CO2 is the most damaging, as it is a long-lasting pollutant that accumulates in the atmosphere and traps heat. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that CO2 emissions from cars and other vehicles are responsible for up to 18% of global warming. It is also believed that air pollution from vehicle emissions is responsible for more than 3 million premature deaths every year.
The good news is that governments and automakers are beginning to recognise the problem and are actively taking steps to reduce emissions from cars. In 2019, for example, the European Union announced its plan to reduce emissions from cars and vans by 30% before 2030. Similarly, China has announced its intention to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 and replace them with electric vehicles (EVs). Several other countries are following this trend, offering subsidies and incentives to encourage more people to purchase EVs in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.
Nevertheless, the reality is that cars continue to play an important role in global warming, and the shift to electric or alternative fuels will take time. In the meantime, there are several simple steps that we can all take to reduce the amount of emissions produced by our cars. For example, keeping tyres inflated properly, driving sensibly and regularly servicing cars can all help to reduce emissions. In addition, carpooling or using public transportation can be more efficient ways to travel, reducing the overall amount of emissions from vehicles.
Ultimately, it is up to the global community to recognise the urgent need to address the impacts of vehicle-related emissions on our planet and take responsibility. By making small changes to our habits, such as driving less, replacing older cars with newer, more efficient models and switching to public transport, we can make a real difference in the fight against global warming.
