BUSI 1552 - Environmental Impact of Cars: Analysis and Mitigation

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of cars, addressing various aspects from production to usage and disposal. It begins with an introduction highlighting the increasing demand for cars and their associated environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for sustainable development. A literature review explores themes such as sustainable development, sustainable business practices, approaches to a sustainable economy, the role of technological change, and behavioral changes along with environmental policies. The report then delves into the environmental impacts of cars, including the materials used in production, emissions from fuel combustion, and the resulting pollution of air, soil, and water. It discusses the effects of pollutants like carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, as well as the consequences of oil spills and noise pollution. The report concludes by exploring mitigation strategies, such as improving product and service efficiency, regulatory measures, and reducing consumption. The report stresses the need for sustainable practices and technological advancements to minimize the negative impacts of the automobile industry on the environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT OF CARS
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TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................3
Theme 1: Sustainable development and sustainable business.....................................................3
Theme 2: Main approaches towards sustainable economy..........................................................3
Theme 3: Technological change bring about sustainable economy............................................4
Theme 4: Behavioural change and environmental policies in promoting sustainable practices. 4
ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS..........................................................................5
MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS.....................................................................5
More efficiency of products and services....................................................................................5
Regulatory measures....................................................................................................................5
Diminish consumption of the product/service.............................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8
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INTRODUCTION
In this modern era, man made creations are there to make living easy for mortal beings.
Human life can exists only when they conserve the environment, to do so following sustainable
development is important. Some of the innovative technologies are environmental friendly while
some affects it enormously. Cars are one such creations, whose demands are increasing day by
day, they give sense of freedom, easy movement and also style and status. Transportation is basic
need of today's life and also a major source of pollution. There are about over sixty seven million
cars produced a year and about 2 new cars enter roads every second, the number keeps on
increasing each second. Automobile products consume lots of energy from even before they are
on road. The products used in making of a car and Once they are in running, they generate many
types of pollution. Pollutants have many bad effects on ecosystem which includes humans.
Good news is cars contain products most of which can be recycled. Owing a car can be dilemma
when one is concerned about the environment. Road transport contributions highly for causing
pollution in UK, since travelling by cars is easy, one can try to reduce it's number of expeditions
to control impact of cars on environment. Because of growing awareness and new automotive
technologies, the situation is improvising. With the help of many government laws related to
vehicle pollution and many environmentalists, and everyone from toddlers to senior citizens can
help make a difference and we can achieve a sustainable environment.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theme 1: Sustainable development and sustainable business
As per the view of Harrington and Schenck, (2017), sustainable development is not just
meeting the demands of the present but for the future generations as well. There are objectives
and goals which is matched the needs and demands of the people in the future as well. This is a
urgent necessary factor which has to be addressed which is going to make sure that there are
right actions and improvement which is being done. Every country is making these changes so
that they would be able to make sure that there is effective resources which are present for the
future generation.
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In opinion of De and et.al., (2017), in a sustainable business there must be effective
profitability, concern for environment and social commitment must be in compatibility.
Businesses in the market are using different resources which are sustainable and non sustainable
in nature. Businesses have to shift to raw materials and sustainable resources quickly so that they
would be able to gain the right attention of the customers. Minimal impact is positive if
sustainability is not going to be present and it is important for the company to make sure that
they are having the right environment to make these factors work.
Theme 2: Main approaches towards sustainable economy
In according to Wajima, Matsumoto and Sekino, (2017), long term support for economic
growth without negative impact of social cultural aspect. Natural resources accounting is going
to make sure that there are businesses which will use this factor to make sure that there are right
factors which are being used. Government policies and economic outlook has to be present in the
company and right decisions have to be taken for the portfolio and other aspect of the company
which is going to make sure that there are right working. Sustainable development also has to be
considered by the firms in the market which is going to make sure that there are going to be good
roles and processing which would be there.
As per the view of Toro and et.al., (2017), estimation of environment impact is very
important for the businesses to have in the market so that there are better and higher functioning
which is going to be present. Appraisal of the environment is another very crucial factor which
has to be considered so that the organization would be able to gain the right attention and
working which is going to be a great factor. There are a lot of fields and areas which have to be
considered for sustainable economic factor in the organization.
Theme 3: Technological change bring about sustainable economy
As the author Hahladakis and et.al., (2018) suggests that technological changes are not
going to get in complete sustainability or helping in it but it is getting in the right communication
and collaboration. It is important to have the right communication to get in sustainability because
changes have to be told out and that is good for the brand image and reputation as well.
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Discussions and right impact can be got in a business to be able to have the right working so that
the organization can gain the right advantage.
The author Rahimov, (2019) also suggests that, large issues can be solved with
technological help because the society is very dependent on this aspect. Public image of the
businesses has to be effective so that there are right working and functioning which is going to
be present. Human rights and sustainability is very important which is going to make the
discussion and other factors be present in the company so that the organization would be able to
have a stable long run.
Theme 4: Behavioural change and environmental policies in promoting sustainable practices
Author Choi, Shin and Woo, (2018), states that policies are set by the government as well
so that there is going to be good sustainability and promotions of practices which can take place.
Promotions of sustainability in the business environment and working is very essential so that
there are going to be higher outcomes and improvement which is present. Green strategies are
being implemented by most of the organizations in the market so that the needs are going to be
well developed and right determination working is existing. Resources have to be changed and
productivity and operations are also going to mould according to it so that there are higher
functioning.
In opinion of Chen and et.al., (2018), sustainability is very essential in an organization to
be able implemented so that there is going to be higher functioning and working which is going
to be there. lack of knowledge and resistance to changes is going to be present in the behaviour
of individuals which has to be well analysed. Planning and professionalism is very important to
make sure that there are right advancement and sustainability which would be existing and that is
going to make the standards of the businesses be higher in the market as well.
ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Automobile industries are one of the fastest growing industries in the world. These
industries manufacture motor vehicles including their engines, batteries, tires and so on. In the
beginning they used steam power engines but technology happened and made running of cars
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easy. But in this process effects on environment were neglected. From production of cars to
using them on roads is environmental harmful process. Let's begin with the manufacturing of
cars, giant use of material like steel, rubber, plastics and so on, are used in the making of
components, engine and body of cars. In spite of being most brainy creatures, humans have their
fair share in destroying natural resources (Helmers and Weiss, 2017). Steel and other metals are
recyclable, but lead acid used in batteries are hazardous and even plastics included can be
difficult to recycle.
Major impact of these cars on environment is when they are used. Transport sector
utilizes most part of world's petroleum resulting in largest emission of green house gases. There
have been introduction of many substitutes for fuel but either they are not easily available to all
or in some cases like gasoline and diesel, combustion is not perfect which results in harmful
pollutants coming out of exhaust pipe, causing global warming. Not only this but major
recessions were triggered due to oil crises leading to unemployment. Although new technologies
using biofuels and hydrogen are developing, it is still necessary for car makers to change their
process s they are flawed in terms of producing neutral carbon footprint. They have a mixture
which include palm oil, and this oil results in deforestation threatening natural habitat (Holmberg
and Erdemir, 2019). Let's discuss in detail about the consequences of car pollutants, emission of
Carbon dioxide from cars is main cause of global warming, trapped green house gases in
atmosphere results in increasing temperatures globally which in turn affects farming, wildlife
and many other things. Looking into the ingredients of this pollution, it has hydrocarbons
reacting with sunlight and depleting ozone, then all nitrogen oxides resulting in diseases
concerning lungs, Carbon monoxide produced in extreme quantities has direct effects on brain,
heart and many other vital organs (Bebkiewicz and et.al., 2021). Quality of air, soil and water are
in trouble, smog and other toxins released by cars are troubling as humans breathes this polluted
air causing lung problems, nitrous oxides gives rise to ozone depletion, sulphur dioxide on the
other hands accords for acid rains destructing vegetation, forests and even man made buildings.
Old or defective cars spilling oils seeps into soil affecting its quality and even
contributing to water pollution as people spill used oil into water bodies and as known that water
and oil does not mix, oil takes long time to fade away from water. Not to mention there have
been various oil spills harming plants and any substance it touches. Cars, a door to door transport
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system makes human life but in the process it harms one's heath to major extends. Diesel which
has airborne particles like soot and metals causes irritation in eyes and skin creating allergies.
Anything in excess is harmful, Carbon dioxide produces by cars is in huge quantity be it from
manufacturing, disposal and large amounts from fuel use. Increasing carbon dioxide can be
disastrous, it plays a major role in heart diseases as it impedes with blood during oxygen
transportation. Every product has an expiry date and so does a car, after a period of time, cars
badly affect the environment, more than the new ones as they release harmful pollutants in
excess. Everything comes with a price, literally in this case, the fuel costs. Petroleum creates
environmental red flags no matter what they do (The environmental impacts of cars, explained,
2019). Extracting them and shipping requires lots of energy and money damaging local
ecosystems.
As the demand for fuel hikes, some economically viable fuel sources are used which are
unconventional. Building of roads to keep up with increasing cars which is a difficult process to
pan out due to increasing population and not to mention destroying wildlife. Not only the
production but even end of car's life does not end it's defacement of environment. Toxic batteries
remains and plastics are still an issue. Fortunately, junk yards are not a huge problem any more
as they are becoming smaller but landfills are increasing creating affecting both economically
and environmentally. Fin ding a proper way to recovery of cars will take time and also requires
new skills. Increasing traffic because of cars and high rate of deaths and injuries are affecting
human life and environmental balance (Cugurullo and et.al., 2020). As much as people are
preferring electric cars, it is still not completely sustainable, there is still a long way to go. Noise
pollution is also included in pollutions cased by cars, be in engine noise, tyre noise, horns, brakes
even car doors comes under noise pollution. Traffic noise and air pollution makes urban life tad
bit agonizing.
MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Groups helping to solve problems
Government plays major role in bringing back good environmental conditions and
reducing Vehicular damage. Agreements on colour coded carbon dioxide labels in the
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showrooms, UK government has shown it's favour for cars with less carbon emission. Drivers
are taxed according to their fuel type and carbon emissions, in both petrol and diesel cases and
some discounts for drivers using hybrid, electric or biofuels (Bebkiewicz and et.al., 2021). They
have made carbon dioxide target mandatory for car manufacturers. For improving air quality,
authorised officers can issues penalties for those who fail emission tests and for drivers who keep
their engine on unnecessarily.
Deeds to reduce harmful impact of cars
Switching to an environment friendly fuel is helping in reducing pollution by cars, not
that any fuel will give a hundred percent sustainable substitution, but something is surely better
than nothing. Checking and going for regular car maintenance helps boosting car performance
and resulting in less carbon emission (Brewer and T.L., 2019). Importance of car to be certified
with 'pollution under control' means that car is producing minimal pollution thus contributes
positively to the environment. Opting for cycling when going less miles can helps in clean
environment as well as good for one's health. People are advised to buy upgraded engines. Parts
of cars are recyclable because they are precious commodity like metals and other spare parts are
to be reused to make another part.
Part of technology in a sustainable development
Technology created these problem and now is developing innovative systems to rectify
them. Electric cars is one such innovation, they reduce emission by half when compared to fossil
fuels. Using electric cars are opting for more efficient driving habits providing more speed, less
noise, and obviously more efficiency (Helmers and et.al., 2020). There is no emission of harmful
gases and thus therefore helps in reducing air pollution. Refurbishes electric batteries helps in
lower maintenance costs. Many new cars are coming with hybrid engine configuration, uses
energy stored in batteries and regenerative braking mechanism for charging battery. New
business model giving a shared mobility helps in reducing pollution by fossil fuels.
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More efficiency of products and services
Products like cars take in a lot of raw material and environment harm are let out by this
product. It is important for the company to make sure that there are right actions which are being
taken to improve this factor. A lot of methods are present in cars to make sure that sustainability
is certain which are servicing the cars, electrical cars, technological vehicle, carbon emission and
fuel consumption. It is important to make sure that these factors are being taken by this industry
of cars so that the environment harm is going to reduce and make sure that there are higher
sustainability which is going to be existing (Vita and et.al., 2019). Cars as a product can be
improved and a lot of other elements can be added to it so that the efficiency can be increased
and make the right improvement for the sustainability and environment factors.
Regulatory measures
Cars are having the most impact on the environment because of the working which they
are having in the market and needs to be paid attention to. It is important for the individual to
make sure that there are right measures which are being taken. Noise, air, other harms are being
done by cars and this factor can be improved effectively which is by making sure that there are
strong measures which are being taken. For example, to reduce the pollution in Delhi, India the
government took a measure of odd and even which is that alternative days the odds and even
numbers cars are going to run on the road (Lindholm, 2017). This made people go in public
transport and take lifts to make the air pollution be under control. Pollution is increasing
increasing rapidly and this factor has to be increased and this has to make sure that there is going
to be higher operations and working which is going to be higher.
Diminish consumption of the product/service
Economic factor of the organization has to be considered effectively for getting in
sustainability because alternative raw materials are required for the business to be able to gain
the right development. Consumption of willingness of products and services has to reduce of cars
and make the right understanding and working is essential so that there is going to be higher
operations and working which is going to be existing. Cars are shifting to electrical cars for
which charging points have to increase so that the individuals would be able to travel effectively
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from one location to another without being worried. Solar charging cars would be better as well
so that there is right attention and working of the product in the market which would be instant
(Balaram, 2019). And taking public transport is also a good option for the customers who want to
make sustainability be higher and impact of environment in negative aspect to reduce.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be analysed and concluded that there are a lot of sustainable
changes which can be got in a business so that the organization would be able to gain the right
working which is present. Cars are having a lot of side effective for a healthy lifestyle of human
kind for a long run. There are a lot of improvement and awareness which is spreading in this
industry so that there are right actions and improvement which is existing and that is going to
make the right operations and growth as well. Cars were considered to stop in the long run but
because of electrical and solar cars there is a good scope which is present for this industry so that
there is going to be effective working. Level of consumption is still the same even after so much
of promotions of sustainability took place by this industry since all the individuals are looking
for their quality working and efficiency which is going to be there. Consumption has to be hgiher
and make sure that there are right working and productivity which would be existing for a long
run of the products and services in the market for the clients.
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Holmberg, K. and Erdemir, A., 2019. The impact of tribology on energy use and CO2 emission
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Online
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impact>
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