BEST-IN-CLASS CARS

Many scientists now say that global climate change is underway due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting build-up of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" in the atmosphere. Climate change threatens human health and well-being because it causes more severe storms and droughts, rising sea levels, increased spread of infectious diseases, and other adverse effects.

As the debate unfolds over a stronger international treaty to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, there is much that individual Americans can do in homes and workplaces to reduce our contribution to global warming. The good news is that many of these actions can save money as well as protect our environment.

Cars and light trucks (pickups, minivans, and sport utility vehicles) account for about 16 percent of energy use in the United States and are the largest single source of greenhouse gases. While the overall fuel economy (MPG) of new vehicles has not increased in over 10 years, more efficient models are available in all vehicle categories. High MPG vehicles can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants without sacrificing performance, safety, or reliability and save drivers money at the pump.

These "Best in Class" vehicles are easy to spot at new car showrooms because all new vehicles have fuel economy stickers prominently displayed on the window. Look for vehicles that have higher than average MPG. For example, if you are shopping for a midsize car, the average is 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, while the best gasoline-powered midsize car gets 27 MPG city and 37 MPG highway. This is quite a difference when you consider that it translates to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂, the chief greenhouse gas) emissions of about 34,000 pounds and $1,250 saved in gasoline costs over the life of the car.

Using less gasoline has other advantages as well. Many smog-forming and health damaging pollutants are related to the amount of gasoline consumed. So are the environmental impacts associated with recovering, refining and transporting petroleum including the destruction of wildlife habitat and fouling of water supplies.

How you drive your car, van, or truck can also make a big difference in its fuel economy and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. By avoiding hard accelerations, following the speed limit and combining trips you can increase fuel economy and decrease fuel use.  Proper maintenance can boost your vehicle's efficiency too, so keep tires inflated to their maximum recommended pressure, change the oil and have tune-ups as directed by the owners manual.

Many considerations go into the decision to purchase a vehicle including price, safety, reliability and performance. Lots of vehicles on the market right now achieve higher fuel economy without sacrificing these other attributes. If all vehicles on the road were just 10 percent more efficient, the nation would save about $10 billion and reduce emissions of CO₂ by over 140 million tons per year. We would also go a long way toward reducing our imports of petroleum and help the economy. Driving more fuel-efficient vehicles is good for our pocketbooks and the planet.