Ameer Randolph
The use of fossil fuels has been a topic of debate for many years, with growing concerns about the impact of their use on the environment and public health. Fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal, are significant contributors to climate change and air pollution, leading to global initiatives to phase out their use. While there is a push towards electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, the reality is that many countries still rely heavily on fossil fuels, and the demand for them is expected to continue for decades. The transition to cleaner energy sources is complex and faces opposition, but it is gaining momentum as governments and organizations recognize the need to mitigate the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the planet and human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuel vehicles | Banned or discouraged in many countries and cities |
| Fossil fuels to be phased out | Oil, natural gas, and coal |
| Reasons for banning | Reducing health risks from pollution, meeting national greenhouse gas targets, energy independence |
| Alternative fuels | Hydrogen, ethanol, methanol |
| Alternative vehicles | Electric vehicles, bicycles, electric motorcycles, scooters |
| Legislation | Varies by country and city; some have no legislation |
| Industry response | Automotive industry introducing electric vehicles; fossil fuel companies continue to profit |
| UN recommendations | Criminalize fossil fuel disinformation and greenwashing, ban fossil fuel ads and lobbying |
| Human rights implications | Land return or compensation for Indigenous communities and peasants, health impacts reduced |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel vehicles to be phased out
Fossil fuel vehicles are set to be phased out by several countries and cities worldwide. This is part of a broader fossil fuel phase-out process, which includes the decommissioning of fossil fuel power plants and the decarbonisation of industry. The phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles typically involves proposed bans or discouragement of the sale and use of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, coupled with incentives and encouragement to adopt alternative forms of transportation.
Some countries have already made significant progress in this direction. For instance, Norway, aided by government incentives, became the first country to have the majority of new vehicles sold in 2021 be electric, with 88% of new vehicles sold in January 2022 being electric. Similarly, Germany has been pushing to replace diesel locomotives with alternatives like battery electric multiple units and hydrogen fuel trains. Switzerland has also been pursuing electrification of its railways due to its abundant domestic hydropower resources.
Cities have been playing a crucial role in this transition as well. Many European cities have implemented low-emission zones (LEZs) or zero-emission zones (ZEZs) to restrict the use of fossil-fuelled cars. These zones are expanding in number, size, and stringency, making it less attractive to own and operate fossil-fuelled vehicles. Some cities have even signed the Fossil Fuel Free Streets Declaration, committing to banning emitting vehicles by 2030.
Additionally, countries like Denmark and Israel have expressed intentions to phase out fossil fuel vehicles, although Israel currently lacks specific legislation on the matter. Several other countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan, have also announced plans to ban or phase out fossil fuel vehicles by various target dates, mostly by 2040 or earlier.
The automotive industry is working to adapt to these impending bans, with varying levels of success. While some critics argue that the focus on electric vehicles neglects compact city design and public transportation, others see electric vehicles as a possible source of revenue in a declining market. Nevertheless, the transition to electric vehicles is not without its challenges, including the need to address battery waste and recycling, as well as the potential impact on disadvantaged communities.
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Zero-emission zones in cities
Zero-emission zones (ZEZs) are areas where only zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), pedestrians, and cyclists are allowed unrestricted access. Other vehicles are either prohibited or permitted to enter upon payment of a fee. ZEZs are expected to reduce the number of cars on the road, making cities less congested and helping to promote the market for more zero-emission vehicles.
As of July 2021, several dozen cities globally, most of them in Europe, had implemented or announced plans to implement ZEZs and near-ZEZs. Some of these are pilot programs, while others are permanent schemes. Cities that have implemented or announced formal proposals for ZEZs include Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and The Hague in the Netherlands; London and Oxford in England; Brussels in Belgium; Santa Monica and Los Angeles in the United States; Oslo in Norway; and Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, and Hangzhou in China.
The growth of ZEZs is expected to provide important support for the shift away from internal combustion engine vehicles toward electric vehicles. Continuous improvements in electric vehicle availability, maturity, and affordability will further stimulate the deployment of these vehicles. The establishment of ZEZs will also contribute to cities' air quality and GHG emissions reduction goals.
Some cities are exploring the implementation of ZEZs in small locations outside city centers, such as industrial parks, seaports, railway yards, and airports. Additionally, low-emission zones (LEZs) are being established in some cities, which aim to improve air quality and reduce pollution. These zones may also double as congestion charge zones, reducing the number of vehicles travelling into the city.
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Fossil fuel industry's negative impact on human rights
Fossil fuels are the primary cause of climate change, which has resulted in extreme weather events such as destructive flooding, unprecedented high temperatures, and enormous wildfires. These events have severe consequences for human rights, including the loss of homes, restricted access to clean water and food, and adverse health impacts. The combustion of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution, causing approximately 1.2 million deaths in 2020. Fossil fuel exploration and extraction also directly harm the rights to life, health, food, water, sanitation, education, and an adequate standard of living, particularly in marginalized communities.
The fossil fuel industry's influence and lobbying power have led to governments subsidizing and prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy sources, exacerbating the climate crisis and its impact on human rights. States have failed to protect climate justice activists and environmental human rights defenders, who face repression, attacks, and intimidation due to their opposition to fossil fuels. Additionally, the industry's misinformation and disinformation campaigns have prolonged the use of fossil fuels, further undermining the human rights of communities affected by climate change.
In countries like Ecuador and Uganda, individuals and communities speaking out against fossil fuel extraction and projects have received death threats, been attacked, arrested, and subjected to intimidation. The lack of access to electricity in Lebanon, partly due to its reliance on fossil fuels, has impacted residents' rights to an adequate standard of living, education, health, and livelihood. The generator industry, which has emerged in response, operates with minimal regulation, creating additional financial burdens.
The continued support of wealthy governments for the fossil fuel industry effectively condemns millions to starvation, drought, and displacement. The G7 members, for example, have submitted unambitious climate plans, failing to commit to a significant phase-out of fossil fuels. This inaction violates the human rights of billions, as it perpetuates climate change and its devastating consequences.
To address these negative impacts, urgent and ambitious climate action is necessary. Governments must adopt equitable and just transitions to renewable energy, ensuring that communities and workers affected by the decarbonization process are supported. Wealthy industrialized countries should aim for net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible, with middle-income countries following suit by 2050. Regulations and stricter environmental impact assessments are crucial to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable and mitigate its detrimental effects on human rights.
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Opposition to electric cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are facing opposition from various groups, including political parties, consumers, and automakers.
Political Opposition
In the United States, the push for electric vehicles has become politicized, with Republicans largely opposing them and Democrats expressing mixed views. Some Republicans have predicted that electric vehicles "won't exist" and are not "part of the future," with some even actively working against policies that would promote EVs. This opposition has been attributed to the influence of fossil fuel interests and lobbying by automakers, who have long denied climate change and resisted federal regulations.
Democrats, while generally more supportive of EVs, have also shown declining interest, especially among liberals who were turned off by Elon Musk's association with former President Donald Trump.
Consumer Opposition
Consumer sentiment towards EVs is mixed, with about four-in-ten Americans saying they are likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase, while half are unlikely to do so. The share of Americans interested in purchasing an EV has declined, and opposition to phasing out gas-powered vehicles is higher than support. This opposition is driven by various factors, including the higher upfront cost of EVs, concerns about battery composition and recycling, doubts about the electricity grid's ability to handle the transition, and, in colder states, concerns about EVs' performance in low temperatures.
Automaker Opposition
In China, the rapid growth of the EV market has led to fierce competition among automakers, resulting in price wars and overcapacity issues. While China leads in EV production and innovation, the excessive competition has led to concerns about the viability of many automakers, with only a fraction expected to be financially sustainable by 2030.
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Fossil fuel exports
Several countries claim to be taking robust climate action, yet their exported emissions surpass their domestic emissions. For instance, Norway, Australia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the UAE have notably higher exported emissions. Meanwhile, the United States, the top emitter of greenhouse gases, exhibits substantial domestic emissions and a significant increase in exported emissions over the past decade.
The European Union (EU) has not exported fossil fuels, but following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several member states turned to fossil gas imports from countries like Azerbaijan, inadvertently encouraging increased supply from exporters. This highlights the complexity of the energy landscape and the challenges in aligning actions with climate goals.
To achieve the fossil fuel phase-out that governments have agreed upon, industrialised countries must commit to halting fossil fuel exports. While some countries are reducing domestic emissions, their fossil fuel exports remain unchanged or are even increasing. For instance, Canada's emissions from exported fossil fuels have outpaced domestic emissions since 2015, and the United States plans to increase coal exports by 2050.
The automotive industry is also undergoing a transition, with the introduction of electric vehicles and the phasing out of fossil fuel vehicles. However, the shift towards electric cars is met with some opposition due to the required urban space. Nevertheless, countries like Norway have made significant strides, with the majority of new vehicles sold in 2021 being electric. While there is no ban on the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles in Norway, multiple governments and companies signed the Glasgow Declaration at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, committing to accelerate the transition to zero-emission cars and vans.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels are not banned, but there is a growing movement to phase them out.
The general fossil fuel phase-out process involves three key steps: phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, phasing out fossil fuel power plants for electricity generation, and decarbonising industry.
Many countries, including Denmark and Israel, are planning to phase out the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles. Cities in countries such as Italy, Germany, and Switzerland have also implemented temporary bans on fossil fuel vehicles during certain times or seasons.
Fossil fuel vehicles are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which have severe impacts on human health and the climate. Phasing them out is a crucial step towards meeting international climate agreements and improving public health.
Alternatives to fossil fuel vehicles include electric vehicles, cargo bicycles, electric motorcycles, and scooters. Encouraging walking and cycling over short distances, especially in urban areas, is also part of the transition away from fossil fuel dependence.
