World Car Free Day and Fossil Fuel Powered Cars

Every September 22, people from around get together in the streets, to celebrate World Car Free Day in defiance of our car dominated society.

Fossil fuel powered cars are one of the biggest contributors to global warming causing greehouse gases (GHGs) including Carbon dioxide (CO2). Gas powered cars are also responsible for other noxious emissions including: Carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. Hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major component of smog. Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, together called NOx), a contributor to smog and acid rain.

According to a 2004 study by Environmental Defense called, Global Warming on the Road [PDF], US automobiles and light trucks are responsible for nearly half of all GHGs emitted by automobiles globally. Before the meltdown of the American auto industry, the Big Three, General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler, accounted for nearly three-quarters of the CO2 released by cars and pickup trucks on US roads. CO2 emissions from personal vehicles in the US equaled 314 million metric tons in 2004. That much carbon could fill a coal train 55,000 miles long—long enough to circle the Earth twice.

The US has only five percent of the world's population and thirty percent of the world's automobiles, accounting for forty eight percent of the world's automotive CO2 emissions. Compared to much of the rest of the world, American cars are driven farther, have lower fuel economy standards, and burn fuel with higher levels of carbon. Cars and trucks contribute around one quarter of global warming causing emissions. United States automobiles emit more than 1/5 of the nation's total CO2 emissions.

People in the US are joining people around the world to push our governments to help create permanent change to benefit and encourage pedestrians and cyclists. The need to reduce the number of fossil fuel powered cars is obvious and irrefutable.

WCN promotes carfree day activities, but does not organise World Carfree Day itself. They provide information and guidance and are dependent on their members submitting details of local events to thier wiki, followed up by evaluation reports after the event each year. See a list of geographically organized activities surrounding World Carfree Day on wiki. Contact WCN at info@worldcarfree.net.
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