As per the article published in Union of the concerned scientist (UCSUSA) – Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are major contributors to air pollution—transportation emits more than half of nitrogen oxides in our air and is a major source of global warming emissions in the US. Studies have linked pollutants from vehicle exhaust to adverse impacts on nearly every organ system in the body.
The site also shares alarming figures on the truck and other large vehicle causing the pollution. According to the article, Heavy-duty vehicles comprise only about 5 per cent of all vehicles on the road, yet they generate more than 25 per cent of global warming emissions that come from the transportation sector and significant amounts of air pollution. As the United States moves more and more freight each year, the challenge of reducing emissions from this sector will continue to grow.
The Impact of vehicle pollution
Impact of vehicle pollution is multifaceted. It is famously said that health is wealth, however, today we ourselves are ignoring the danger signs that our body and the environment at large is showing. Vehicle pollution is one of the major cause of respiratory disease. It not only affects adults but also results in premature birth, low birth weight and in extreme cases death. Lung cancer is a dreaded form of cancer which can be caused by harmful emissions from the vehicle.
Another impact of vehicle pollution is the environment. Excess of carbon dioxide released from motor car plays a significant role in global warming. This results in climate change at the very basic level which apart from affecting human health is also resulting in sea-level changes, flooding, drought and melting of ice. If these signs are ignored it may result in world extinction as we know. If you have observed, the incidence of natural calamities has increased across the globe.
Thus, it is imperative that we unite as one and address this issue of vehicle pollution.
The Corrective measures
In spite of the gravity of the situation, there is hope! Various corrective measures are being put in place from a stringent quality check of vehicles entering the market to strict limit permissible of gas emissions. The UCSUSA shares that While this air pollution carries significant risks for human health and the environment, through the clean vehicle and fuel technologies, we can significantly reduce emissions from our cars and trucks, while cutting projected U.S. oil use in half within the next 20 years. Also, in another segment, it says that addressing heavy-duty vehicle pollution is critical for improving air quality and reducing global warming emissions in communities around the country. Continuing to lower emissions from fossil fuel–powered trucks is an important first step.
Other important initiatives that have been put in place include:
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Electric vehicle
Introduction of electric cars and trucks has contributed to the reducing elimination of harmful gases and specifically tailpipe pollution from the trucks. -
Vehicle recycling
It is seen as the most beneficial method of curtailing environmental pollution. With such companies in existence people are encouraged to get rid of their cars that are not in usable condition or are old and no longer meet the guidelines for environment safety. Also, unattended scrap car was also a big concern since even a scrap car emits harmful chemicals in the environment. -
Carpooling
Another idea is to encourage carpooling. With fewer cars on the road, the emission will automatically reduce. This will help bring down the harmful particles in the air and will result in cleaner air.
Thus, systems are being put into place to combat the increasing vehicle pollution. However, it is not only a state’s or a country’s responsibility. But it is also a responsibility of each individual to contribute to a clean environment. No steps are small steps and therefore, don’t aim for big impacts. Even small steps can make a big difference if done diligently. Although some argue about the long-term benefits of electric car and recycling. Today it is helping us curb the pollution that is killing the earth. Slowly but surely and tomorrow we may have a better option to combat the pollution. So tie your seat belts and gear up to work towards a better, a cleaner world!
