Recent findings reveal how electric vehicles are making a significant impact in San Francisco, cutting the city’s carbon emissions by nearly 2%. This is not just about cars but a broader push towards California’s ambitious net-zero emissions goal by 2045.
Hello everyone!
Last week we talked about the trends of heatwaves and how the severity has increased over the decades due to the warming planet. Even though you may enjoy the hot and sunny weather in the UK, it’s important to understand the implications of this. This week I want to talk about electric cars.
You may, or may not, know about my previous blog on electric vehicles in urban areas. We discussed that electric cars may not be the best option for urban areas and that other options like electric scooters and bikes may be more efficient for civilians in urban areas. However, a recent study has shown that electric vehicles have lowered San Francisco’s carbon footprint.
It is important to note the difference in the transport between the UK and the USA. In the USA they mostly use cars, instead of the public transport that is used in the UK’s urban areas. This means that although the option of electric cars may not be the best option for every country, this recent study in San Francisco shows that electric options, no matter the type, are the best way!
To measure this progress a network of sensors calculated the carbon emissions impact, stretching from San Francisco to Sonoma County’s vineyards showed that electric vehicles have helped lower carbon emissions by almost 2% within the Bay Area. It’s not just electric vehicles though, other more fuel-efficient options have also contributed.
Overall, there was a 2.6% reduction annual reduction in vehicle emissions and 1.8% annual reduction in the Bay Area’s overall carbon footprint. That is half of what is needed for California’s state-wide goal for net-zero emissions by 2045. To me, results like this are really inspiring and help show me that it is possible to help the planet, especially when we work together.
The results clearly show that electric vehicles, no matter what sort are helping to reduce carbon emissions and therefore help the planet! If you don’t drive or cannot feasibly use an electric alternative, there are other ways to help. There are options like anything solar powered, that could be solar panels, batteries, heaters, lights and, many more. Any form of reducing your energy consumption, no matter how small, is progress. And any progress is great.
I hope everyone has a lovely week, and I will see you next week for another Amy’s Hot Topic.
Bye!
#undertwok #2kWh
References
New Scientist – Electric vehicles lowered San Francisco’s carbon footprint – Jeremy Hsu – 4th April 2024.
Previous electric car blog – What will be your electric vehicle of choice for the future?
