Emissions Info - Greenhouse Gases
What Are Greenhouse Gases?
Greenhouse gases are gases in the earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun. These gases contribute to a phenomenon known as global warming, or climate change. Climate change is of concern in our region because it can lead to impacts such as rising sea levels, more frequent “extreme” weather events, changes in levels of precipitation and loss of glaciers.
One of the key greenhouse gases produced by human activity is vehicular carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 emissions from light-duty motor vehicles are directly related to a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and how much it is driven. The more fuel that is burned, the more CO2 emissions are produced.
Why Reduce Greenhouse Gases?
In February 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [external link] (IPCC), a panel of scientists from around the world, released a report concluding that it is “unequivocal” that Earth’s climate is warming, warming will result in impacts, and human activities have “very likely” caused “most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century.” Internationally, this report is prompting increasing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Because climate change can have such significant impacts, the B.C. Government committed to reducing emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases 33% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Metro Vancouver [external link] (formerly GVRD) has adopted identical targets for the Lower Mainland region. Reducing CO2 from motor vehicles is critical to meeting regional targets, as motor vehicles account for over one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
What Does AirCare Do to Reduce Greenhouse Gases?
Many vehicles that fail their AirCare inspection and are subsequently repaired exhibit improved fuel economy as an added benefit. Although not specifically what AirCare was designed to address, the improved fuel economy that results from AirCare repairs accounts for some reduction in the amount of fuel burned by light-duty vehicles in our region each year. This translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The AirCare program is also involved in the education of motorists through our Climate Change information campaign. On every AirCare Vehicle Inspection Report, motorists receive a report that calculates each vehicle’s annual CO2 production.
In addition, the AirCare website now features a CO2 calculator that compares the annual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions produced by a cross section of typical vehicles as well as practical tips on how to reduce an individual’s CO2 contribution.
This new campaign by the AirCare program complements the provincial government' s LiveSmart [external link] initiative by educating British Columbians on their greenhouse gas emissions so they can then make informed choices to help reduce them.
What Can I Do?
A more fuel-efficient vehicle produces fewer CO2 emissions. You can make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by trading in your vehicle for a more fuel-efficient model. To be environmentally responsible, you should place a high priority on fuel efficiency when selecting a vehicle. You can check how fuel-efficient your vehicle is by using the AirCare CO2 calculator.
For more tips on how to reducing your personal impact on the environment check out AirCare' s Clean Air Tips page.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Environment Canada [external link]
Metro Vancouver [external link]
BC Climate Action Secretariat [external link]
David Suzuki Foundation [external link]
United States EPA [external link]
Greenhouse Gas Online [external link]
