Saturday, April 26, 2025
More

    Car culture is driving us to disaster

    Date:

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    By David Suzuki

    The climate crisis is too big to be remedied by individual actions alone. It requires government policies and regulations and international cooperation in everything from research to global agreements. One critical area where individual acts (including public advocacy) combined with government policy can make a big difference is transportation.

    Car culture has fuelled the climate crisis from the beginning. In the early days, large cars weren’t built just for luxury and big families; they were built to burn as much energy-dense oil as possible, fuelling a massively profitable, mutually beneficial alliance between Big Oil and the auto industry. An entire way of life was built around it, in the United States and Canada especially — with motels, drive-ins, suburbs and strip malls.

    Now, despite advances in electric and hybrid vehicles, tailpipe standards, better transit in some areas and more, emissions continue to rise, thanks largely to a boom in light truck and SUV sales. To keep the oil economy going, relentless advertising portrays trucks and SUVS as offering freedom, adventure and safety.

    According to a recent David Suzuki Foundation report, light-duty trucks (including SUVs and minivans) are one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions in Canada’s transport sector. Although emissions from cars went down by 47 per cent from 1990 to 2022, light duty truck emissions rose by 112 per cent. As of 2020, about 62 per cent of the light-duty vehicles on Canada’s roads were trucks, compared to 27 per cent in 1990.

    The report found vehicle upsizing has wiped out 39 per cent of fuel consumption reductions Canada would have seen from increased zero-emissions vehicle sales and fuel economy improvements.

    As the study points out, the trend is global: “the proportion of SUVs has grown from 22 per cent of light-duty vehicle sales in 2005 to over 50 per cent in 2022.” The average weight of vehicles has also increased. Between 2010 and 2022, SUVs represented the second-fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions globally, after the power sector — higher than heavy industry, heavy-duty trucks and aviation.

    According to the International Energy Agency, global SUV oil consumption rose by 500,000 barrels a day from 2021 to 2022, “accounting for one-third of the total growth in oil demand.”

    SUVs are also less safe than smaller cars. Pedestrians, cyclists and people in smaller cars, especially, are far more likely to be injured or killed when struck by or in a collision with the heavier vehicle.

    It’s clear that individual choices in transportation — resisting the onslaught of consumerist propaganda — can help in the necessary transition to less-polluting, more climate-friendly ways of living. Getting away from unnecessary SUVs and light-duty trucks is a start. But simply buying smaller cars, or hybrid or electric vehicles, won’t solve the problem. That’s where governments come in.

    If we’re to move away from the absurd notion that every person needs a tonne or two of metal, plastic, fabric, electronics and other materials to move around — worse when it’s inefficiently burning fossil fuels — we need efficient, alternative ways to move.

    Public transit is critical, along with good infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and people with mobility challenges. As we move toward these solutions, even those who need to drive, including emergency vehicle and taxi operators, will spend less time in gridlocked traffic, breathing less pollution. And considering the costs of a car and its depreciation, maintenance, insurance, parking, fuel and more, not having one can save a lot of money! Reducing car dependency also makes communities much safer.

    Growing technology may also help. Autonomous or self-driving vehicles could make more efficient use of cars for modes like taxi and ride-share services. And better urban planning can create more walkable communities, connected with good public transit.

    There’s a real danger that some of the progress made on things like vehicle-emissions standards, alternative transportation infrastructure, public transit, congestion pricing and electric vehicle quotas could be overturned by electoral outcomes.

    At the very least, we can all resist the corporate-consumerist push by Big Oil and Auto to keep us boxed into inefficient machines choking on fumes from gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks while we sit in gridlocked traffic. What’s really needed, though, is to replace wasteful car culture altogether with the many safer, healthier, more cost-effective alternatives.

    David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

    Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

    REFERENCES:

    Relentless advertising:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/its-time-to-regulate-ads-for-suvs-trucks-and-gas-fuelled-cars

    David Suzuki Foundation report:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/science-learning-centre-article/canadas-future-vehicle-emissions-standard-2024-35-impacts-on-vehicle-size-and-ghg-emissions

    According to the International Energy Agency:

    https://www.iea.org/commentaries/as-their-sales-continue-to-rise-suvs-global-co2-emissions-are-nearing-1-billion-tonnes

    Congestion pricing:

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/09/london-congestion-charge-traffic-cars

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    POPULAR

    More Good Stuff!
    Related

    Town Seeking Consultant for New Fire Hall in Craigleith

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    Satellite images show at least six stealth B-2 bombers stationed at Diego Garcia | Associated Press

    Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show the...

    “Trump Is Going to Get a Lot of Wins:” Ian Bremmer Forecasts 2025 Geopolitics | Amanpour and Company

    From Russia's war in Ukraine to U.S. relations with...

    The Town of The Blue Mountains | Postal Workers Strike Impacts

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    Collingwood OPP Arrest Three in Traffic Stop Linked to Local Thefts

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - On April 2, 2025, at approximately 11:22...

    Mayor Andrea Matrosovs Acclaimed as Grey County Warden

    The Town of The Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs...

    HOW WE GOT TO JERSEY: A TALE OF TWO FRANKIES | The John Saunders Centre

    How We Got To Jersey: A Tale Of Two...

    Florida Man | Planet Over Profit

    Ignoring climate crisis won’t make it disappear By David Suzuki Florida...

    Youtuber Bank Won’t Let You Withdraw Money | Coffeezilla

    The no-lose "bank" turned out to be a lie....

    Ally Vitally shares New Years Celebrations from Around the World – Happy New Year 2025!

    Ally Vitally and the ridiculously talented team at Georgian...

    FIREWORKS VIDEO | Happy Canada Day from Collingwood 2024

    We all enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display launched from...

    Industries in denial: From burning cigarettes to a burning planet

    By David Suzuki Not long ago, smoking was promoted as healthy —...

    Ally Vitally asks: Feeling a bit sluggish? Want to give your immune system a boost? #GINGER

    Look no further than the power of ginger and...

    DMYTRO GARBOVSKYI “Radiant of Classic” CONCERT | Friday March 28 | Trinity Church

    Ukrainian singer who has conquered some of the best...

    Dan Hill & Andy Kim | May 22nd | Meaford Hall

    Wednesday, May 22 - $65 - Dan Hill &...

    Gerry Cheevers, 84 Years Old! Sharp as a tack! – talks about Orr, Esposito and winning Stanley Cups!

    Boston Bruins legend, Gerry Cheevers, joins us to talk...

    Thriving in Simplicity: The Tiny House Community Advantage

    Affordable Living, Sustainable Choices, and Stronger Bonds Living in a...

    The Blue Mountains OPP and Community Partners Work Together to Maintain Critical Infrastructure

    (THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON) - Members of the Collingwood and...

    Kimberlee Diamond: Welcome to this prestigious Georgian Meadows enclave

    Nestled on a coveted corner lot, this exquisite Franklin...

    Statement from Mayor Hamlin

    Collingwood, ON - When the first suggestion of President...

    Ally Vitally: Julian Assange’s Plea Deal

    The WikiLeaks founder has been held in a British...

    Town of Collingwood Celebrates Earth Day with a Series of Eco-Events throughout April

    Collingwood, ON - The Town of Collingwood is...

    County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive – Week Two Update

    Midhurst/November 21, 2024 – On November 13th, the County of...

    Thornbury Summer Antiques Show | Beaver Valley Community Centre.

    The Thornbury Antique & Vintage Show is just over...

    Waters-Johns vs Parenteau-Sock: Mixed Doubles QF Mesa Arizona Cup 2024

    Waters-Johns vs Parenteau-Sock: Mixed Doubles QF Mesa Arizona Cup...

    VIDEO | Biggest Megaprojects Under Construction in 2024

    The world is full of massive ground-breaking construction projects....

    HURONIA WEST OPP INVESTIGATING A FATAL VEHICLE COLLISION INVOLVING A SNOWMOBILE

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...

    Top 10 Points from the Veolia LA Open Presented by Deep Eddy Vodka

    Watch the Top 10 Points from the Veolia LA...

    Snow Squalls Could Bring Another 50 Cm To Ontario, Risk Of Whiteouts | #forecast

    Drivers beware, weather alerts issued for snow squalls in...

    OPP Seeking Assistance in Solving Midland Retail Shoplifting Investigation

    (MIDLAND,ON) - A shoplifting complaint reported to the OPP Communication Centre at 8:48...

    Collingwood is ‘On the Move’: Celebrating Bike Month

    Collingwood, ON – Collingwood residents are encouraged to get 'On...

    Ally Vitally: The Revolutionary LLaMA 3.1: A New Era of AI

    A team of brilliant engineers at Meta AI has...

    ONGOING INVESTIGATION RELATED TO SUDDEN DEATH OCCURRENCE

    (Nottawasaga, ON) - Members from the Nottawasaga Detachment of the...

    The Town of The Blue Mountains | Public Meeting – July 9, 2024

    Council, Public Meeting - July 9, 2024 The Town of...

    Keen Eyed OPP Officer Makes Vehicle Stop Resulting in Drug Seizure and Vehicle Impound

    (TINY TOWNSHIP, ON) -  An early morning vehicle stop on Simcoe...

    Sen. Sanders Responds to Trump’s Congressional Address

    President Trump’s Congressional Address needs a response. Here’s mine...

    Stand-up Comedy about Getting Older

    Getting older is funny if you're Patton Oswalt, Ricky...

    Sunset Manor’s Classic Car Show on August 22 from 4 – 7 pm | The Wasaga Beach Cruisers

    Don't miss out on Sunset Manor's Classic Car Show...

    Break and Enter Investigation Leads OPP to Arrest

    (MIDLAND, ON) -Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial...

    Marc’s Pickleball Vids of the Week – Proton Tucson Open and Selkirk Kansas City Open

    Marc Suud's Pickleball Videos of the Week The great play...

    BMFA 2025 Juried Art Show

    Welcome to the BMFA 2025 Juried Art Show  The BMFA’s Juried Art Show highlights...

    HURONIA WEST OPP ASSIST HYDRO ONE DURING CLEANUP OPERATION TO RESTORE POWER TO COMMUNITIES

    (WASAGA BEACH, SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia...

    Yonnhe’ón:we Springs Forward Celebrating Indigenous Arts

    The series is curated and hosted by the Town’s...

    AI News: Google’s AI Can Now SEE Everything | Matt Wolfe

    Here's all the AI News you missed this week....

    TRAFFIC TIP LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...

    Collingwood and Blue Mountains OPP Tackle Non-Compliance in Seatbelt Campaign

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - The Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment...

    Love Wins with the Collingwood Pride Festival 2024

    The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay (Rainbow Club) is...

    Boomerang Band | MusicinthePark Thornbury 

    Our LAST CONCERT in the park this Sunday, August...

    Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

    Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this...

    Celebrating Collingwood New Year’s Day Polar Plunge in Support of Save Georgian Bay

    Photo: Mirella Alves, Nick Vendramin, and Lucy Kennedy supporting...

    James Earl Jones | A Tribute to a Legendary Voice and Acting Powerhouse

    Honoring the Resonant Legacy of James Earl Jones Few actors...

    BREAKING: Cogeco to launch wireless services in Canada

    Frédéric Perron, president and CEO at Cogeco Inc., talks...

    Youth Climate Action Fund Now Accepting Round 2 Applications

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    OJHL, CCHL ALL-STARS, TOP PROSPECTS CLASHING IN ‘BATTLE OF ONTARIO’ NOV. 12-13

    July 17, 2024 ….  The best players and top prospects in...

    CARING GRANDPARENTS, DON’T ACT TOO QUICKLY!

    (ORILLIA, ON) - Grandparent or emergency scams are common scams...

    Canadian House in 10 Days. Full construction process.

    We built four amazing houses. From start to finish: Construction...

    UPDATE: OPP AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS RESPONSE TO SNOW EVENT 

    OPP AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS RESPONSE TO SNOW EVENT  (ORILLIA,...

    Exciting News for Collingwood Dog Owners: Town launches new licensing platform to serve you better!

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood is excited...

    The Craziest 12K Video | Smooth 240fps – Dolby Vision™

    "Join us in a heartfelt exploration of Earth's wonders,...

    CANCELLED | Strawberry Moon Festival | Milkbarn Sessions | June 22nd

    A night dedicated to celebrate Music, Art and Fashion...

    Climate and biodiversity solutions offer endless positive possibilities

    By David Suzuki There’s no real reason for the climate...

    John Wort Hannam – Sunday, April 27 | MEAFORD HALL

    Opening: Drew McIvor Sunday, April 27 2pm | $35John Wort Hannam...

    Ask Gracelyn: How long should I wait before introducing my partner to my family?

    Dear Gracelyn: How long should I wait before introducing...

    Special County of Grey – Joint All Council Meeting – April 17, 2025

    The Special County of Grey Joint All Councils meeting Agenda dated...

    With Spatial Intelligence, AI Will Understand the Real World | Fei-Fei Li | TED

    In the beginning of the universe, all was darkness...

    Holy Moley shares: Los Angeles wildfires illustrate climate “whiplash” effect

    By David Suzuki The raging infernos devastating the Los Angeles...

    HeART of Red Gala in support of My Friend’s House

    Join us for an evening of art & entertainment...

    There’s a New Sweet Spot in The Beach | Hunny’s Cookies

    Grand Opening June 15th and 16th Hunny’s Cookies is officially...

    7 Beginner Raised Bed Garden Mistakes to Avoid

    In this video I will share seven common raised...

    Shipping Container Farming is the Future!

    Shannon O'Malley discovered hydroponics when she relocated from Pennsylvania...

    March Events at The Marsh Street Centre

    Tuesday Night at the Movies - Amelie - Mar...

    Town of The Blue Mountains Hires Monica Quinlan as Director of Corporate and Financial Services

    August 30, 2024 The Town of The Blue Mountains is...

    2 DEAD FOLLOWING COLLISION

    Driver Arrested; Charges Laid (SPRINGWATER TWP., ON) - The Huronia West...

    The Power of NOT Reacting | 12 Habits to Control Your Emotions

    Not reacting is a powerful way to control your...

    All or Nothing: Elon Musk’s $56 Billion Payday Blocked by Delaware Judge

    Patrick Bet-David explains the situation currently taking place between...

    OPP Warn of Rising ‘Grandparent Scams’ During Fraud Prevention Month

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Collingwood and...

    Unbelievable ! Extreme Blizzard Hits Japan 🏡 Homes & Cars Buried Under Mountains of Snow ❄️

    A powerful winter storm impacted Japan in February ,...

    Collingwood’s Waterfront: A New Era of Opportunity and Community Access

    by Rick Crouch | Dec 5, 2024 | Community Issues, Municipal Affairs, Planning and Development, Real Estate...

    Connie Riet: Why I’m Starting Over at 50 – Life Reset in a New Country

    Starting over again at 50 was not in my...

    Sharp Eyed OPP Officer Makes Arrest in Overnight Commercial Midland Break and Enter

    (MIDLAND,ON) - A sharp eyed officer from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP...

    Fyre Festival 2 Flames Out Again: Postponement Sparks Outrage and Skepticism

    Organizers scramble for new location as ticket holders demand...

    ATTENTION CANADIANS etc, “Is Trump’s tariff war motivated by Project 2025” | The Fifth Estate

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war has panicked people...

    It May Be Hard to Believe, but People Actually Live in These Houses

    ▽ It May Be Hard to Believe, but People...

    The Transformative Touch of Gratitude: Unveiling Its Many Benefits

    Once upon a time in the quaint village of...

    Quang Duong v Jack Sock at the Carvana Mesa Cup

    Watch the Men's Singles Round 16 Match: (6) Quang...

    Collingwood Live & Original Summer Concert Series is back!

    Collingwood, ON – The Collingwood Live & Original Summer...

    Town Budget Meetings Postponed

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    VIDEO | Danielle Smith visits Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago

    Alberta Premier Danielle Smith visited Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home...

    China’s MASSIVE Space Project is About to Change the World!

    China is building a new space solar power station...

    Why You Should Never Go Outside Without Sunscreen: Insights from Dermatologists

    When we think about health, a myriad of practices...

    The Virtual Voyage with Social Media Trends

    In a bustling digital realm, where trends spark like...

    SCOUTS FROM NHL, WORLD JR. A CHALLENGE, COLLEGE, CHL HEADED TO ‘BATTLE OF ONTARIO’ IN SMITHS FALLS NOV. 19-20

    Twelve-game All-Star, Prospects tournament pits CCHL against OJHL October 30,...

    Collingwood Crime Unit Makes Arrest in Trail Incident – Public Safety Update

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON). The Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the...

    Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | March 23-30, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with...

    Holiday Services Reminder – Easter Weekend 2025

    Midhurst/April 16, 2025 – The County of Simcoe reminds residents...

    This Blue Angels Cockpit Video is Terrifying and Amazing

    The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron demonstrates...