Paying the consequences of car obsession

Cars have been both a blessing and a nuisance for the western world. As useful as they are for transporting passengers, the automobile is one of the biggest sources of pollution.

Despite knowing the many problems cars can cause, people not only love their cars but seem obsessed with them. Even young children who cannot yet drive want expensive looking toy cars to play with.

Licensed-drivers on the other hand aim to buy the best possible car they can afford.

"People want to be seen in the best car with the best reputation. They have a passion for nice cars," explains Ashraf, a sales associate at Mercedes-Benz in Mississauga.

"When you pay high costs for a car, it comes with high durability, life span and excellent quality."

In addition to the costs of buying and owning a car is the question of how much longer gas-powered cars will be around.

It is uncertain how long oil will last, but it won't be indefinitely. Car companies are trying to produce affordable cars that run on alternate types of fuel.

Cars also cause environmental problems such as habitat loss, greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. Car manufacturers have to keep these issues in mind when designing cars.

"All manufacturers are aiming to reduce pollution. If manufacturers don’t make the cars environmentally-friendly their products (will become) useless," says Ashraf.

The Canadian government seems to be just as concerned.

"Since 2003, the government has invested $7.4 billion in public transit and established (funds for) municipalities to create a more convenient transportation network," according to Emna Dhahak, a spokesperson for the federal Ministry of Transportation.

"Using public transit and carpooling definitely have positive impacts, as it improves air quality and supports sustainable urban development," Dhahak says.

Vipal Jain
Global Voices

Vipal Jain is a Gr. 11 student in Mississauga.

Click here to read this and other Junior Journalist articles

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.