Half of all new cars are now SUVs, making them a major cause of the intensifying climate crisis, say experts

Half of all new cars are now SUVs, making them a major cause of the intensifying climate crisis, say experts

Sales of SUVs hit a new record in 2023, making up half of all new cars sold globally, data has revealed. Experts warned that the rising sales of the large, heavy vehicles is pushing up the carbon emissions that drive global heating.

The analysis, by the International Energy Agency, found that the rising emissions from SUVs in 2023 made up 20% of the global increase in CO2, making the vehicles a major cause of the intensifying climate crisis. If SUVs were a country, the IEA said, they would be the world’s fifth-largest emitter of CO2, ahead of the national emissions of both Japan and Germany.

Climate-fuelled extreme weather is increasing, with urgent cuts in emissions needed. But emissions from the global transport sector have risen fast in recent years, outside of the Covid pandemic. SUV sales rose 15% in 2023, compared with a 3% rise for conventional cars.

  • cmoney@lemmy.world
    112·
    6 months ago

    We need to drive electric cars says man who flys everywhere on a private jet.

    • otp@sh.itjust.works
      3·
      6 months ago

      I don’t think Damian Carrington flies* much of anywhere in a private jet.

      Tap for spoiler

      He’s the author of this article

    • SeaJ@lemm.ee
      2·
      6 months ago

      I agree with the “fuck, Elon” sentiment especially considering he will use his plane to fly 15 miles, but private air travel makes up a negligible amount of CO2 emissions.