The impending threat of climate change and the increasing levels of environmental pollution have prompted the world to seek sustainable solutions. Climate change has resulted in global warming, while pollution leads to various health risks, such as respiratory issues. These effects have led various manufacturing companies to develop blueprints to reduce pollution levels and manage climate change. Assessments have indicated that the transport sector is the major contributor to unsustainable environmental standards. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has emerged as a viable option for combating climate change and air pollution. These cars have power in the form of electricity stored in high-capacity lithium batteries. EVs have gained traction due to their ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), improve air quality, conserve natural resources, lower fuel prices, and minimize the environmental impact of transportation. It is essential to elucidate the benefits of electric vehicles, advocating for their widespread adoption as a pivotal step towards combating climate change, reducing pollution, and fostering a sustainable future.
Firstly, adopting electric vehicles is the most compelling option for combating climate change and air pollution, as it helps reduce GHG emissions. The Industrial Revolution started over 150 years ago (Barkenbus, 5813). Since then, the world has recorded an increase in the levels of greenhouse gas emissions as there is an elevation in the amount of carbon in the environment. For the past few years, several scientists around the globe have engaged in research regarding mechanisms to reduce the environmental effects of greenhouse gases. They have acknowledged the impact of decreasing emissions on slowing and combating climate change. Transitioning from gasoline cars to EVs depends mainly on their ability to substantially lower GHG emissions (Sun et al., 18247). The internal combustion engines use fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. These end products contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases and climate change. Electric cars are powered by energy generated mainly from renewable sources of electricity such as wind, solar, or hydropower. The United States transport sector records the highest contribution to GHG emissions. The released pollutants emerge from manufacturing and operational time. EVs are promising sustainable mobility as they can lower the amount of harmful gases. The impact of adopting them could be faster, as they only comprise approximately 2% of passenger vehicles (Sonar et al.). Most manufacturing companies are committed to ensuring the transition of their models from conventional gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles. Furthermore, EV battery production is less environmentally friendly than traditional car manufacturing. Automobile experts suggest that it takes EVs over eighteen months of operation to be comparable to the amount of emissions from a new gasoline car. It therefore means that other sustainable approaches need to be employed during the manufacturing of EV batteries to ensure a complete reduction in GHG emissions. Therefore, embracing the use of electric vehicles can significantly reduce the carbon footprint released by cars, thus helping to address the issue of climate change.
Secondly, adopting electric cars presents a compelling solution to combat climate change and reduce pollution due to their ability to reduce air pollution. EVs have relatively zero tailpipe gas emissions, thus helping to improve the quality of local air. Electric cars have reduced break dust (Sun et al., 18246). Most EVs are heavier than traditional cars, resulting in greater tire friction on the road. Manufacturing companies have developed regenerative braking systems that refute the need for standard braking. Therefore, it results in the release of particulate matter from the brakes. EVs offer one-pedal driving, which stops the car using the regenerative braking mechanism (Sun et al., 18244). This pedal system ensures the driver can stop the car without engaging the usual brake system. Whenever the driver anticipates stopping, they ease their feet from the accelerator pedal. This mechanism ensures that the car starts to slow down by approximately 20%, gradually stopping the car, unlike the hydraulic brake system in gasoline-powered cars (Liu et al., 973). Applying both regenerative braking systems and one speed helps minimize and eliminate brake dust. Electric cars are, therefore, environmentally friendly, as they ensure reduced brake dust and zero tailpipe emissions. Traditional vehicles are a significant source of noise pollution. They have internal combustion engines, which generate substantial noise during operation. Electric cars are offering a reprieve from the auditory pollution prevalent in urban areas, as they are usually in quiet motion. Reducing noise pollution helps to positively impact the well-being of residents as it enhances the conditions of staying in an urban setting (Rapa et al., 6292). Additionally, the prevalent issue of air pollution presents a public health threat as it is capable of causing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature deaths. EVs are contributing to cleaner air in urban environments as they have zero emissions during operation. Electric vehicles can ease the burden of respiratory illnesses and enhance overall public health by reducing the release of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and particulate matter (Milev et al., 208). The shift from traditional cars to electric cars has ensured cleaner air, thus helping to mitigate the strain on the healthcare system and improving the quality of life in urban settings.
Thirdly, using an electric car is crucial, as it helps combat climate change and air pollution by conserving natural resources. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles that rely heavily on finite fossil fuels (Milev et al., 210). The production of EVs has emphasized the use of advanced battery technology. The batteries used in electric vehicles are usually produced using materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These raw products are sourced sustainably compared to the extraction and refining processes associated with fossil fuels used in traditional cars. These natural products used in powering electric cars can be recycled and reused, reducing the demand for new mining activities and grounds, unlike the finite nature of fossil fuel reserves. Recycling programs for electric vehicle batteries are gaining traction, leading to a more circular economy in the automotive industry. It conserves valuable natural resources and minimizes the environmental impact of extracting raw materials (Liu et al., 49). The development of reusable battery technology for electric vehicles encourages innovation towards using alternative and sustainable materials. There is potential to further reduce the environmental footprints of EVs, considering research conducted on other options such as solid-state batteries. These technological advances are enhancing the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles. They also help to promote natural resource conservation, as EVs do not directly rely on such materials, thus reducing environmental costs. Electric cars also help combat climate change as their overall design and manufacturing process are resource-efficient. Electric cars are more energy efficient compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. The production and operation of EVs require less power, thereby consuming fewer resources (Milev et al., 204). Car manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials and production methods that further reduce the environmental impact of electric car engineering as the automotive industry increasingly embraces sustainability.
Finally, embrace the use of electric cars as the best option to tackle climate change and air pollution, as it helps lower fuel costs globally. The widespread adoption of EVs can significantly reduce the cost of fuel, thus having a convincing economic and environmental argument for their ability to combat climate change and pollution (Jenn et al., 349). Electric cars mainly rely on electricity as the primary power source for their operations, thus contributing to the low fuel price. Electricity prices are usually stable and predictable compared to the volatile and often escalating prices of traditional fossil fuels used in gasoline-powered cars (Barkenbus, 5813). A cheap energy source provides consumers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to exploit instead of fossil fuels. Electric cars have lower operating costs per mile than their internal combustion engine vehicles. The efficiency and simplicity of the design of electric motors result in fewer moving parts and less maintenance, which translates into long-term cost savings for consumers. The economic advantage of EVs makes them the best option for consumers (Shao et al., 179). Additionally, it contributes to the overall reduction in transportation costs for businesses and governments, supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Fuel costs have direct environmental impacts. The carbon footprint associated with charging electric vehicles decreases as electricity grids increasingly incorporate renewable energy sources. The combined effect of lowering fuel costs and reducing environmental impact addresses climate change and air pollution challenges. Gasoline-powered vehicles significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions due to the breakdown of fossil fuels to generate energy. There is a substantial reduction in environmental pollutants that degrade the quality of air and contribute to climate change as people transition to EVs, which emit zero-tailpipe gases (Shao et al., 177). This positive correlation between cheaper fuel prices for electric cars and their environmental impacts creates a win-win scenario. Therefore, it makes the adoption of EVs an economically viable and ecologically responsible option. The stability in electricity prices, the reduction in operating costs, and the environmental advantages of using electric vehicles contribute to transport sustainability, aligning with global efforts to create a cleaner and more resilient future.
In general, adopting electric cars presents a holistic and compelling solution to combat climate change, as it helps reduce pollution and promote a sustainable transportation future. Combating climate change and pollution is a significant issue that necessitates multidisciplinary approaches. The adoption of electric vehicles is a feasible reaction to environmental challenges. EVs emit no tailpipe emissions, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality in the environment. Electric cars emerge as a viable and environmentally conscious option as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, conserve natural resources, primarily through recycling, and reduce fuel prices. Organizations should work together to ensure the acceleration of the adoption of EVs, promote a shift in the automotive industry, and contribute to the collective effort to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
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