Carbon monoxide emissions of new cars on the rise

For the third year running the average CO₂ emissions of new cars sold in the UK has risen. It stands at 127.9g of CO₂ per kilometre – significantly above the target level of 95g introduced by the EU. This is despite the total number of new cars sold falling by 2.4%.

The average CO₂ emissions figure has gone up 2.7% year on year, due to falling sales of diesel vehicles and the increasing popularity of SUVs. Each of those factors accounts for one quarter of the increase; half is explained by a change in the way the emissions are measured.

As the Guardian notes, the increase in SUVs between 2010 and 2018 was the second largest contributor to increased global CO₂ emissions in that period.

This is a pretty depressing trend. Transport is key to reducing emissions, yet here we are buying an ever increasing number of heavy, thirsty vehicles – vehicles that frequently have off-road capabilities which are hardly ever required in our largely urban and temperate country. They are also more dangerous for other road users, because of their weight and, for pedestrians and cyclists, the height of their grills. Perhaps more surprisingly, they are also more dangerous for their occupants, as their higher centre of gravity makes them more prone to rolling. All in all, I find it a bit baffling why such cars are sold in ever greater numbers. Perhaps it is price? They are profitable models for the manufacturers, but is that the only explanation? More on this topic soon.

*Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and the Guardian