Are we really changing our environmental approach? The SUV case

SUV purchases has steadily increase over the year. If something simple as choosing a vehicle goes wrong, how can we aim to fight global warming?

Recently, I’ve bumped into an article published by IEA (International Energy agency) which analysed the purchase of SUVs across the World.

As shown by the study, almost half of all cars purchased in the US are SUVs. The situation is slightly better in Europe, one third of the vehicles are SUVs. However, I assume this difference is mainly due to cultural reasons. Americans have always preferred more powerful vehicles compared to their European fellows.

Asian countries follow behind (mainly because of lower purchasing power). In China, SUVs are viewed as a status symbol. Currently, only a small percentage of Chinese can afford SUVs (an enormous number although as China population counts over 1.4 billion people nowadays), but the situation is rapidly changing as China growth is yet steady and steep. India the most populous country in the World has seen sales increasing over the years and as China its citizens are become richer and richer.

As stated in the research, SUVs were the second-largest contributor to the increase in global CO2 emissions since 2010 after the power sector, with 0.7 Gt CO2.

We are surrounded by news about global oil demand, carbon emissions, global warming, ice melting climate changes. But apparently all this information is not achieving the outcome expected. Through knowledge and information we are supposed to have enough material to make a considerate choice. But this, doesn’t look to be the case. Greta Thunberg has recently addressed at the UN (United Nations) politicians, lobbyists and law makers blaming them for stealing her and the new generation future. However, if on one hand she’s totally right, we share some blame too. On the other, we, with our choices, our behaviours and our attitude are the main actors of this tragicomic act.

I hope you enjoyed this article!

Care and share!

Live pono!!

Image credit: pixabay