The EU has been gradually introducing climate-friendly laws and regulars over recent years, to aid the attainment of its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. This law was passed as the Climate Change Act in 2008, but recent events in terms of the effects of climate change have contributed towards the drafting and passing of further laws. The latest of these aims to end the selling of cars with combustion engines (that is, those powered by petrol or diesel) by 2035. Along with this, the plan aims to reduce emissions from international flights by gradually beginning to raise taxes on certain types of fuel.

The use of passenger cars within the EU is currently responsibly for 12% of total EU carbon emissions, meaning that the implementation of this bill will contribute greatly towards the continent’s aim to become carbon neutral. It will, however, require the building of new infrastructure: charging stations for electric cars, which are expected to replace petrol and diesel cars, must be built along public highways.

To some car manufacturers, the introduction of this law poses a logistical challenge, as it would require a 55% cut in carbon dioxide emissions from new vehicles over the next decade, and eventually a 100% cut, effectively banning the vehicles that comprise most of their product ranges. As a result, many are turning towards the production of electric cars as a viable alternative to keep their companies afloat, and existing electric vehicle manufacturers are receiving financial boosts.

The exhaust fumes and other particulates released in the combustion of petrol or diesel are widely believed by scientists to be a major factor in global warming – carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides are three of the most harmful gases released. As these then move into the atmosphere, the pollutants can cause direct harm to people who breathe them in or are simply close to them. These health problems range from skin irritation and allergies to respiratory problems, and some evidence suggests that long-term exposure to particulates can increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.

Source: www.msn.com