Cars have revolutionized travel in the United States for more than a century, providing dependable transportation. They cleared the way for the growth of suburbs and made it possible for holidaymakers to travel from coast to coast. Many Americans find it difficult to picture life without a vehicle, even if it is Ford trucks for sale. However, all of this mobility has come at a price to the planet.
Pollution in the Air
Automobiles are responsible for 34% of nitrogen dioxide emissions into the environment. They are also responsible for 51% of carbon monoxide, 10% of particulate, and 33% of carbon dioxide emissions. Acid rain is caused by nitrogen dioxide, which promotes algae development. Particulate matter, commonly known as soot, contributes to smog and contaminates water.
Pollution of the water supply
Automobiles contaminate waterways in a number of ways. One way is by vehicle fluids, brake dust, deicing agents, and oil discharge. Another way is via leaky gas station pumps. Groundwater pollution can also caused by inappropriate motor oil disposal.
Disposal of Solid Waste
When a vehicle is not being driven, its environmental impact continues. Every year, almost ten million automobiles are discarded. Around 25% of these automobiles are not recycled and wind up in landfills. Every year, hundreds of millions of tires are discarded.
Space on the Ground
Hundreds of millions of automobiles occupy more than 13,000 square miles of land, more than the whole state of Massachusetts. Another 4,000 square kilometers of land is covered with urban highways.
Energy Consumption
Automobiles also use a huge portion of the available fossil fuels. The United States produces just 10% of the world’s petroleum, but consumes 26%. Each year, light vehicles and autos contribute for 43 percent of all petroleum used.
Pollution due to noise
In the United States, there are around 250 million automobiles. They are responsible for a significant portion of the noise in metropolitan cities.
