The Impact Of Autos On Global Warming

"How much do American cars contribute to heat-trapping emissions?

A staggering amount of global warming pollution comes from U.S. cars. Our new report, Global Warming on the Road, shows that in 2004, our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from personal vehicles totaled 314 million metric tons. That’s equal to the amount of carbon in a coal train 55,000 miles long, enough to circle the world twice. General Motors cars alone account for more carbon pollution than that from America’s largest electric-generating company, American Electric Power. Emissions from Toyota vehicles, fourth among car companies, edge out those from the Tennessee Valley Authority, third among power companies.

One of the most eye-opening findings of the report is that the cars we choose today will affect our lives for decades. Surprisingly, the biggest category of current on-the-road polluters is the small car. Why? Simply because there are so many of them on the road. But soon the much less efficient SUV will become the representative vehicle, and because of its low average fuel economy, the global warming pollution from America’s roadways will surge.

Acting now is imperative to slowing global warming and curbing air pollution. For instance, doubling the fuel efficiency of all new vehicles today would not fully be reflected until 2025. Because cars last so long, seemingly small differences add up to large ones over a car’s lifetime. So drive smart to save fuel and cut global warming pollution, and maintain your car properly so it always runs with peak efficiency."

Thanks to Jon Cecil, AICP