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people changing the climate? |
3. How can we hinder
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One example:Gasoline and diesel engines are becoming more efficient, using less fuel to perform the same work. Thus the CO2 emissions for each car trip have become lower. At the same time, people in European countries are driving more often, and more and more goods are being transported by road. In addition, large and heavy cars – such as SUVs – have become more popular in many places, and larger cars emit more. The result is that emissions from transportation in general are increasing. If the growth in emissions is to stop, we either have to apply technology that cuts emissions more quickly and more efficiently, such as fuel-cell engines run on hydrogen, or we simply must drive less. |
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Consumption per inhabitant is lower in poor countriesIn poor countries, emissions intensity is often greater than it is in rich countries because advanced and energy-efficient technology is not available. On the other hand, production and consumption per inhabitant is much lower in the poor countries. Emissions per inhabitant are therefore lower. But many poor and middle-income countries outside Europe are seeing improvements in standards of living in some segments of the population, which is increasing their emissions. Population growth in these countries also contributes to greater emissions. |
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Author: Camilla Schreiner - CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo) - Norway. Scientific reviewers: Andreas Tjernshaugen - CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo) - Norway - 2004-01-20 and Knut Alfsen - Statistics Norway - Norway - 2003-09-12. Educational reviewer: Nina Arnesen - Marienlyst school in Oslo - Norway - 2004-03-10. Last update: 2004-03-27.
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