The Future of Petrolheads in the Face of Global Warming
Will the Climate Crisis Crush Car Lovers’ Hopes and Dreams?
Something colossal is placing the whole world in danger. Forget about the zombie apocalypse, a nuclear WW3 or a rogue meteor smashing into us and wiping humanity out like it did the dinosaurs. Planet earth has a very real and very scary threat: climate change. The end of the world because of global warming even has a name now, it’s called Thermageddon!
Is it Really THAT Bad?
Yes, it is. The rate at which we are destroying the earth is terrifying. According to teenage eco-activist, Greta Thunberg, we are at the beginning of mass extinction. Thunberg is becoming well known for her passionate speeches against climate change delivered all over the world. She has been met with criticism for being ‘melodramatic’ by Piers Morgan, was called ‘an unrealistic child’ by Russian President Putin, and Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson even said that Thunberg should shut up and get back to school. While the Swedish teen’s theatrical approach may be over the top for some, she makes valid points.
It’s absolutely true that if we carry on the way we are, and science doesn’t develop some kind of miracle recovery plan, our children and grandchildren will not be left with an environment in which they can survive. The human race will become extinct.
What we Can do About the Impending Climate Catastrophe
According to experts, it’s not just up to the scientists. Every person on earth should do their share to avoid the complete and utter annihilation the planet we live on is facing. Here are some ways in which the average person can help affect positive change:
• Become more energy efficient. Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient lightbulbs and simply make a point of using less electricity.
• Recycle and upcycle. There is plenty of scope to get creative with this.
• Become educated about climate change and educate others.
• Use renewable energy.
• Stop using plastic!
• Shop locally.
• Eat less meat (or stop altogether!) and don’t waste food.
• Reduce transport emissions. Yes, I said it — as much as what I love internal combustion engines, I am beginning to feel that I have to start envisioning a future without it.
What a Crazy Conundrum
Fossil fuels are one of the main culprits of climate change. But, they are needed to make petrol and diesel, which is needed to drive internal combustion engines. Of course, internal combustion engines are needed to make the hearts of petrolheads happy. But, what about petrolheads who are also into saving the environment (like me)? As a driver and die-hard lover of growling engines, smoking tires and speed and more speed, the prospect of a future without internal combustion engines is pretty bleak.
Are Petrolheads Doomed to Extinction?
If we’re facing facts, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that the V8s that we’ve come to know and love will soon be a relic of the past. With Thermageddon looming, those who have an affinity for internal combustion engines are facing a different kind of crisis: what the heck will they do with nothing to rev? There are several possible scenarios:
1. Manufacturers slowly begin to switch over to electric vehicles (EVs) — This is already happening. Porsche has committed to electrifying more than 50% of its cars by 2025 and Volkswagen announced plans to reduce emissions by 30% and to be carbon neutral by 2050.
2. Governments begin to phase out petrol and diesel cars — The UK is talking about doing this by 2035. Even though this may not be realistic in the very near future, it’s certainly the direction they’re moving in and most countries have a similar outlook. Spain has proposed banning diesel cars by 2040.
3. Car companies begin manufacturing fun new types of environmentally-friendly cars — Imagine cars driven by hydrogen fuel cells that only emit water as a by-product. What about flying cars or Batmobiles? I could live with that.
No matter how you look at it, the electric revolution is coming and petrolheads will have to adapt. Some speculate that within as little as five years, it will be cheaper to buy an EV than an internal combustion car. We’ll soon be running out of excuses not to drive EVs.
No, I am not Getting a Tesla
Not yet anyway. I’ve decided that I will most likely eventually have to make the switch to an EV or two. If James Bond can do it, so can I. Did you know that the latest Bond movie will feature the Rapide E, an electric variation of the Aston Martin? Although this is a gorgeous car, most EVs are ridiculously ugly, sterile-looking things that sound like enormous whining insects. Hopefully, by the time I have to begin shopping for my first EV, they will be less ugly, more powerful and a lot noisier. I know that will bring up the argument of noise pollution but hey, if I have to one day give up my number one passion in life, let me have some noise at least!
