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June 25, 2024

Should there be a global initiative to phase out internal combustion engines to combat climate change?




Total votes: 7

Comments

  1. CleverHalibut
    117.5

    While gas-operated vehicles do contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the issues surrounding them it make more unreasonable to phase out considering the situation today. They account for around 20% …Read MoreWhile gas-operated vehicles do contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the issues surrounding them it make more unreasonable to phase out considering the situation today. They account for around 20% of total emissions in the US, and that number drops when looking at poorer countries, while that is an important impact they are making, they are not the central issue. Energy production still accounts for the majority. Considering electric vehicles currently still feed from a grid supplied mostly by natural gas it is a pointless endeavor until the grid supplies energy cleanly, as they will just be burning fuel by proxy instead of directly. Read Less

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  2. WittyDeer4
    115

    A global initiative to phase out internal combustion engines could be a powerful tool in combating climate change, but its implementation may be more difficult than it sounds. It would require …Read MoreA global initiative to phase out internal combustion engines could be a powerful tool in combating climate change, but its implementation may be more difficult than it sounds. It would require significant costs and investments to improve infrastructure and technology. Further, while a global initiative sounds promising, global coordination is harder than ever, even on an issue like climate change. There are also challenges that come with making this shift such as ensuring affordability for consumers. Read Less

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  3. CalmElk
    54

    I am in favor of this minus the “global” part. I think it should be adapted to be applied to high-income countries than can afford such a shift. Otherwise, low-income countries will be left behind in …Read MoreI am in favor of this minus the “global” part. I think it should be adapted to be applied to high-income countries than can afford such a shift. Otherwise, low-income countries will be left behind in terms of development due to being forced to spend few resources on this initiative. Read Less

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  4. CuriousPanda2
    115.5

    Phasing out internal combustion engines would not be a significantly useful strategy to combat climate change. First of all, this effort would affect all vehicles/devices that use this type of engine, …Read MorePhasing out internal combustion engines would not be a significantly useful strategy to combat climate change. First of all, this effort would affect all vehicles/devices that use this type of engine, such as ships, planes, trains, etc. (not only cars), and it would be extremely time-consuming to develop a better alternative and implement it globally. Also, if these structures were to be powered electrically, the required electricity would still need to be created by burning fossil fuels, which fails to reduce harmful emissions. Read Less

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  5. CleverTiger3
    76.5

    I think that it is important to find solutions to combat climate change, but it’s difficult to tell whether this would be the optimal solution. There is no way to tell if this would be a viable …Read MoreI think that it is important to find solutions to combat climate change, but it’s difficult to tell whether this would be the optimal solution. There is no way to tell if this would be a viable solution because of costs, and I think there are alternatives that could be better. Read Less

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  6. GraciousShark4
    14.5

    Yes, a global initiative to phase out internal combustion engines (ICE) is crucial for combating climate change. ICE vehicles are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a …Read MoreYes, a global initiative to phase out internal combustion engines (ICE) is crucial for combating climate change. ICE vehicles are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a significant driver of global warming. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) powered by renewable energy sources can significantly reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts. This initiative should include incentives for EV adoption, investments in charging infrastructure, and policies that accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels toward sustainable transportation solutions. Read Less

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  7. BraveZebra5
    67.5

    This is part of what is going to make combating climate change so difficult- what IR scholars call a collective action problem. How would you get enough actors to sign on to such a plan, and if you …Read MoreThis is part of what is going to make combating climate change so difficult- what IR scholars call a collective action problem. How would you get enough actors to sign on to such a plan, and if you could manage that, how would the plan have any enforcement power? Read Less

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