Car Air Pollution and Global Warming
by Alex
(Bellingham, WA)
Insight Air
If car air pollution is what causes global warming, then how come there was no global warming in the 1960's when cars were polluting the air way worse than now? Car technology is way better than it was back then.
------------------------------ I've also heard that global warming isn't really happening. Yes, the average tempature of the earth has risen, but not by very much. I heard that in the last century, the average tempature of the earth has risen and fallen. Right now, the average tempature is about two degrees higher than it was 100 years ago. What do you say about that?
Barry's Response - Alex: Good point. Here are a few supplemental thoughts on global warming and car air pollution.
1) Pollution per car is lower, but there are more cars. There's also a lot more driving per car.
2) Cars are a major source, but they're not the only one. There's a lot more pollution around the world now. Natural sources are also there, but you can probably assume that their contribution stays relatively constant over time.
3) The greenhouse effect has always been there, but global cooling was the concern back then. Climate is affected by more than pollution.
Check out this page for more info on natural global warming and cooling. https://www.stuffintheair.com/Blowin_in_the_Wind-milankovitch-cycles-climate.html
It's great to see you're passionate about the environment, and I appreciate your curiosity about car pollution and global warming.
To get a better understanding, let's explore this further. Although car technology has improved over the years,
global warming is influenced by more than just car emissions. Global warming is caused by greenhouse gas emissions from cars, power plants, deforestation, industrial activities, and more.
The science of climate change and its link to greenhouse gas emissions was still evolving in the 1960s. Our understanding of the complex interactions and long-term effects of climate change has deepened since then, thanks to scientists and researchers.
Also, car usage and emissions have grown significantly since the 1960s. With more cars on the road, there's a bigger carbon footprint from transportation. Cars may be more fuel-efficient and emit fewer pollutants than in the past, but the
cumulative impact of more cars has contributed to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
To address the issue of global warming, we need to take a holistic approach that involves improving car technology as well as switching to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, reducing deforestation, and implementing policies that help reduce emissions globally.
Our planet can be healthier and more sustainable if we understand the
complex dynamics of climate change and advocate for sustainable practices.
Search this site for more information now.