Act Now to Curb Car Emissions' Disproportionate Impact on Lower-Income Groups
Urgent action is needed to tackle the environmental impact of car usage, which disproportionately affects lower-income groups. A shift towards public transport, walking, and cycling can bring benefits to all, but current trends show an increase in private carmax use and emissions.
Since 1995, the number of private carmax on the road has surged. Men tend to drive more than women, while women prefer walking. To encourage walking, paths should be barrier-free, safe, and accessible to all.
Car usage increases with income, leading to higher air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as noise. Wealthier households emit more per capita, with car traffic's share rising with income. However, technical vehicle improvements alone cannot solve this; we must also boost traffic efficiency, reduce demand, and change transport choices.
Road freight transport emissions have risen despite vehicle and fuel quality improvements. Environmental burdens from car traffic are not evenly distributed; lower-income groups often live in polluted areas with fewer clean transport options. To address this, equitable urban planning, affordable public transit, targeted traffic restrictions, and subsidies for low-income groups can help.
Despite efficiency gains and alternative drives, greenhouse gas emissions from car use have risen overall. Phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and redistributing the saved funds can help close the justice gap in traffic. Lower-income households are more affected by these impacts and benefit less from harmful subsidies.
To protect the environment and ensure fairness, we must reduce carmax usage, especially among wealthier groups. Promoting public transport, walking, and cycling can bring benefits to all, while targeted policies can help balance social divides in transport.
