Pollution: Big vehicles are producing 100 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide, SUV sales at record level

In 2023, more than 36 crore SUVs were running on the roads around the world. Due to these, more than 100 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) was emitted. While the world is worried about increasing pollution, SUV sales reached record levels. According to the data, SUVs accounted for 48 percent of the cars sold globally in 2023.

This is a new record in itself. According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) most recent report, large and heavy vehicles are growing increasingly popular worldwide. Last year, SUV sales in industrialized countries reached around two crores. This is the first time in these countries that SUVs have seized more than half of the vehicle market. Developing countries face a similar dilemma, with fast-expanding demand. Today, every fourth car in the world is an SUV, with only 5% being electric.

Electric vehicles will increase in the future: In 2023, there will be an increase of three crore SUVs running on petrol and diesel, which is equal to the total number of electric cars running on the roads today. On the other hand, in 2023, more than 500 models of electric cars were available worldwide. Of these, 60 percent fall in the SUV category. This indicates that in the future, manufacturers of electric vehicles are planning to introduce more electric SUV models.

Experts say that the increasing pollution from petrol and diesel SUV cars is a matter of concern. With the increase in the number of these cars, pollution is also increasing rapidly. This increasing emission is becoming a major challenge from the point of view of health as well as climate change. The average weight of an SUV is 200 to 300 kg more than a medium-sized car. Similarly, it occupies about 0.3 square meters more space than other cars. According to the IEA, SUVs emit about 20 percent more carbon dioxide than normal cars.

The IEA analysis says that these heavy and fuel-intensive cars will require more oil and electricity than ever before. Also, more metals and minerals will be needed to manufacture batteries as per their requirement. According to trends related to 2022-2023, six lakh barrels more oil was used every day in the world just for SUVs than before.