Vehicular Emissions

Vehicular Pollution.

Environmental pollution & degradation is an issue that’s not being taken seriously enough. Though governments across the world are very much aware about it they aren’t really doing anything about it. Contrary to the general opinion, I do think that we still have time (very little, actually)and that we haven’t actually crossed the point of no return. As the saying goes, better late than never.
A good place for policymakers to start would be by targeting vehicular emissions.
As lifestyles improve radically, the number of private passenger vehicles on the roads has increased exponentially over the past few years. And luxury vehicles comprise a large part of this number. The figures are bound to increase further. I think this is an easily controllable/ manageable issue ,at least in terms of policy and implementation ,as opposed to infrastructure needed to tackle say , deforestation.
A number of steps govts could adopt are:
1) Encourage car-pooling by providing perks in terms of free car servicing, occasional gas vouchers or even special parking passes. Car-pooling could be a simple but very efficient means to cut down emissions as well oil consumptions.
And a good solution to those traffic congestions.
2) Okay, this ones gonna create a problem but hey, no pains no gains. Increase road tax and levy additional tax on luxury vehicles, using some sort of tiered system based on car model & fuel consumption ( the owners can very well afford it & besides they are the biggest oil guzzlers around.). This step will bring down the numbers and actually increase car- pooling.
3) This ones just based on plain optimism. Governments should make the public transport systems much more effective and passenger friendly, not to mention environment friendly. Citizens should be encouraged to use PT much more. All Govts should come up with MRTs (mass rapid transport ) such as metros, subways,etc
4) Last but not the least, newer technologies, like hybrid cars, should receive much more exposure , even down 2 grassroots level. This can done by better media coverage( at least in India) and reduction of prices. Governments should take initiative in ensuring that such technologies become easily available. While the Toyota Prius, for example, is in vogue in countries like the U.S, developing countries ( which, ironically, have the largest markets for vehicles) are not perceived as possible markets for such technologies. I don’t think labels are going to help anyone. Both the tech makers and govts need to join hands in this respect.

I think there should a mass movement on this issue. Apart from the policymakers, it’s up to us, the general population, to take an initiative.
So what are u waiting for?