In the face of a climate catastrophe that threatens to render large parts of the planet uninhabitable, one might reasonably expect a global mobilization on a scale never before seen. Governments, industries, and individuals would surely be working day and night to decarbonize the economy, invest in renewable energy, and develop sustainable technologies..
But this is not the reality we are facing. Instead, the global response to the climate crisis has been characterized by inertia, denial, and a pathetic lack of ambition. This is especially true in the Global North, where the countries that have contributed most to the problem are doing the least to solve it..
One of the most glaring examples of this failure is the ongoing obsession with electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are often hailed as a climate-friendly alternative to gasoline-powered cars. But the reality is that they are merely a stopgap measure that will do little to address the root causes of the climate crisis..
For one thing, EVs are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. The electricity that powers them is often generated from coal or natural gas, which means that they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, a recent study found that the emissions from an EV are comparable to those from a gasoline-powered car over its lifetime..
Secondly, EVs are expensive. This makes them inaccessible to many people, especially those in developing countries. As a result, EVs will only have a limited impact on global emissions..
Thirdly, EVs require a massive amount of resources to produce. The batteries in particular are made from rare earth minerals that are mined in environmentally destructive ways. This means that EVs actually have a higher environmental impact than gasoline-powered cars in some respects..
So, if EVs are not the answer to the climate crisis, what is? The answer lies in a fundamental transformation of our transportation system. We need to move away from our reliance on cars and invest in public transportation, walking, and biking. We also need to develop new technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, that can power vehicles without emitting greenhouse gases..
But this will require a level of political will and public support that we have yet to see. The Global North has a moral imperative to lead the way in the fight against climate change. But if we continue to invest in false solutions like EVs, we will only be delaying the inevitable..
The apocalypse is coming, and it is coming for the Global North first. The only question is whether we will be prepared for it..
