"International journeys are only 0.4% of total trips, but are responsible for 55% of emissions."
WOW.
The article argues that shifting local car trips to walking or biking doesn't reduce overall emissions much. However, there are other very good reasons for doing so. You lose fewer of your neighbours to car traffic: that's worth something. And you build community walking or biking: much harder if each person goes about in their own box.
A China that frees itself from the tyranny of the fossil fuel industry first... hmmm.
The geopolitical consequences of having major "democracies" constrained by murderous anti-democracy donors, while China lifts that boot off their necks first...
@CelloMomOnCars@urlyman@uva This is true, but several of your examples won in the market due to being more convenient. Like, asphalt can be laid by machine, is easier to stripe, and quieter to drive on.
There is no going back. We need new products that are not only environment/climate safe, but at least as convenient as what we have. Anything less just won't fly, politically or market wise. EVs (and yes, electric bikes), heat pumps, LED lights... they are examples of this.
Asphalt is toxic (the outgassing and the runoff are not great for you), and can't be maintained easily. A paved surface can be dug up locally for regrading or underground cable work - just one square meter - and be returned to the original state: way cheaper in the long run. As for noise, EVs are VERY quiet and if their wheels are a little louder that's not a bad thing.
The illnesses caused by plastic are not very convenient. I'll take glass whenever possible!
3rd June 2024. Happy UK Earth Overshoot Day everybody. 😢
There. Is. No. Planet. B.
If everyone in the world had the same carbon emissions as us in the UK we would need a Planet C to provide us with all the resources we need for our unsustainable lifestyles.
#ClimateDiary Germany floods: Firefighter dies during rescue in Bavaria
A firefighter was killed when the rubber dinghy he was riding on capsized during severe flooding and at least two people are missing in south Germany as the region braces for more rainstorms. DW has the latest.#Floods#Germany
#ClimateDiary my heart goes out to everyone in Delhi, especially the workers and street vendors, children and elderly, the many without AC. Water scarcity and rationing; overflowing morgues in Rajasthan.