Climate Change And Cars: How The Industry Will Adapt
The automotive industry has a target on its back. With every new report of the devastating effects of climate change that is released, a renewed focus on vehicles and their contribution to greenhouse gases puts automotive companies on notice.
It’s inevitable that our way of life has to change, including the way we get around. From motorcycles to 18-wheelers, our entire transportation system has to adapt and rise to the challenge of impending environmental catastrophe. Speculating on those changes is crucial for consumers and businesses alike—where do we go from here?
In this Sergio Lewis blog, we take a deep dive into the future of the automotive industry, from technology to government policies and consumer attitudes.
The Climate Crisis: A Quick Rundown
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, you’ll no doubt have heard about the impending doom that is climate change. Species dying by the thousands, extreme weather, rising sea levels, and more are the result of human activity and Earth’s reaction to it.
Since the 70s, the Earth has seen an increase of about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and that number will continue to rise throughout the decade. The effects of such a rise are well-documented—we’ve known for a while that the climate, crops, and animals that we rely on and are deeply interconnected with will change. In the coming decade, we will begin to see some of the most extreme effects of such a change.
In the face of these challenges, key figures have risen to fight it. Greta Thunberg, countless scientists studying the phenomena, old and new politicians, and normal citizens making small changes. However, all that may not be enough.
It’s estimated that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of all global emissions. Clearly, activism and individual changes are not enough. With more of the public realizing this, a focus has been placed on corporate practices and how they can reduce their emissions, including the automotive industry.
Consumer Attitudes and Actions
The consumer responses across the world have been incredibly mixed but trends in a negative direction overall.
In this article from The New Republic, the blame on corporations is flipped onto the consumers—us. While activism and individual acts of environmental consciousness have dominated the media, the vast majority of people are making very few changes. In fact, it’s estimated that our thirst for things and power will double in just a couple of decades.
Consumers want to be comfortable and have more, not less. And every dollar spent is a vote for what a consumer wants.
Developing cities and nations are beginning to adopt the lifestyles that developed nations have, with detrimental results. With these developments, it’s beginning to look like government intervention will be necessary to make any significant changes.
Government Policies Towards Automotives
Sadly, the government response to the knowledge of climate change hasn’t quite been inspiring.
While some knowledge of the coming climate issue was known since the 70s or 80s, governments were slow to react. Concerned with nationalistic growth and power, countries prioritized economic growth over environmental considerations.
This trend continued well into the 21st century, but in 2015, the world saw a breakthrough that signaled real change. In December 2015, the world collectively agreed to fight climate change with the Paris Climate Agreement. The agreement outlined a basic framework with which countries would set their own goals and strive to reach them.
The framework was vague and open enough where every country could set goals that made sense for them, making it possible for nearly every country in the world to take part in it. Nearly 5 years later, though, the results have been mixed at best.
Countries like Germany have done exceptionally well, while the United States (one of the world’s most polluting countries) has pulled out altogether under the Trump administration. With dozens of countries failing to meet their goals, the future is becoming bleaker by the minute.
How The Industry Will Adjust
As you could probably guess, the industry has been incredibly mixed on the issue. Some want to change, but can’t due to lack of demand. Others are getting ready to shift to an all-electric or hybrid lineup. But as we discussed earlier, the consumer is king. It will take a shift in consumer behavior and government incentives/laws to get the industry to change.
That change will need to happen fast though, given that automobiles are the largest contributor to climate change pollution. But what can you expect as a consumer?
Well, the next few years will likely see a big rise in the use of electric and hybrid cars. Though the government can be very slow to act, expect more incentives for consumers to make the switch and for more gas stations to provide charging. As for the industry, expect fuel-efficient vehicles and a massive focus on driverless and electric vehicles. The future of our planet depends on it.
Trust Sergio Lewis With Your Automotive Needs
Regardless of what the future holds, Sergio Lewis will continue to be El Paso’s most trusted body shop. Our technicians are the best in the city and can work on any vehicle, gas-powered, hybrid, or electric.
Give us a call today to set an appointment and receive service from experts in the business!
