Environmental Health News, Week 13: Diesel Ban in Europe

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There is a small environmental organization, called Deutsche Umwelt Hilfe (DUH) or Environmental Action Germany, that is advocating for reducing air pollution in the European Union. In February, the German Federal Administrative Court banned older diesel fueled cars in certain cities and areas in Germany. This is a big step for the EU as diesel powered cars are used more than gasoline cars. According to the article, diesel cars are a major contributor to air pollution: 60% of nitrogen dioxide in Germany comes from motor vehicles, with three-quarters of that from diesel. Nitrogen dioxide levels and particulate matter levels are almost double the EU limits in cities like Munich. This pollution creates carcinogens and is associated with premature deaths, cardio-pulmonary diseases. Some say that this is the beginning of the end of diesel in the EU. "Paris, Copenhagen, London, and Madrid had already announced they are considering bans on some diesel cars beginning in 2020. "

 While some believe that diesel is better than gasoline, it is not. It may be cheaper for our pockets, but not for the environment or for human health. It's a step in the right direction towards reducing our carbon footprint, but more still needs to be done. Germany is setting the example for Europe, and major cities are already starting to follow. Organizations like DUH are inspiring and creating change. However, most of our carbon emissions come from motor vehicles, so we still need to work on more public transportation or green energy options, like electric cars.

Reference:
https://e360.yale.edu/features/end-of-the-road-are-diesel-cars-on-the-way-out-in-europe

Comments

  1. Ashley SubramaniApril 17, 2018 at 1:44 PM

    Hi Loren,

    It is great to see that Germany is setting such a great example for going towards the right direction. Hopefully more countries follow this direction to help combat air pollution. Sometimes we need to make changes that will benefit us in the long run. Removing diesel cars may be hard immediately to peoples wallets but the change is better for the long run.

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