A new study that was released in the Journal for Industrial Ecology disclosed that
men are responsible for more climate emissions than women. It focused on men and women’s spending habits. Conducted by researchers based in Sweden, its goal was to determine how spending on affordable and sustainable alternatives on holidays, food or diet, furnishings, and cars – among others – can affect one’s carbon footprint.
The study indicates that men produce at least 16% more climate emissions compared to women through their choices and activities.
Researchers believe that their study’s findings can help in policy making for the reduction and elimination of toxic emissions.
The Findings
According to the research findings, while men and women spend the same amount of money, there are differences in their spending priorities. Women tend to spend more on clothes, health, and home décor while men put most of their money on tobacco, alcohol, dining out, and fuel for their vehicles – specifically diesel and petrol. (The study did not include expenses for diesel and petrol used on work vehicles such as taxis.)
Research findings also revealed that even in families that used only one vehicle, it was the men who drove it more to get to their workplace. Women typically take public transport when going to work or their appointments.
What the study reveals is a verifiable relationship or connection between a person’s spending and consumption behaviour and how using safer and sustainable alternatives can help lessen personal emissions.
As revealed by researchers, the goal of the study is to make environment-friendly changes without anybody having to purchase or pay for anything extra. Making changes to one’s holidays, daily habits, and diet is easier and does not require getting a loan, moving to another town, or applying for a different job. Such changes do not need costly investments.
For example, if you are planning to change your diet to a safer and healthier alternative, you only need to buy the safer, more environment-friendly alternatives using the money that you have with you. You do not have to get a loan from the bank to make the diet changes you want.
The study also mentions the need for additional research to help address gender-sensitive policies on emissions and toxic pollutants.
Other Studies
Aside from the study in Sweden, research was also carried out in 2010 and 2012, and the studies revealed that men have higher emissions than women because they eat a lot of meat and spend a significant portion of their money on energy – two activities that give off high emissions.
Additionally, a 2017 study showed that the top two ways to reduce emissions and avoid climate change are to have one less child and to avoid flying or using a car. Road transport is a primary contributor of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can endanger not only the environment but human health as well.
Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides is an umbrella term that includes NOx, containing nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), gases that are contributors to air pollution. NO is flammable and colourless while NO2 is non-flammable but poisonous.
Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide can affect the environment as they form acid rain and smog. When NO2 and water vapour combine and react, they create nitric acid, which is a type of acid found in acid rain.
Nitrogen oxides also help form ground-level ozone, which is considered bad ozone because it can cause various health issues. People who have asthma and other respiratory problems are at risk when exposed to ground-level ozone. Specific negative effects on one’s health include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, aggravated asthma, lung infection that can lead to damage, and difficulty in breathing. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also possible.
Bad Ozone Also Affects the Ecosystems and Vegetation.
As mentioned above, nitrogen oxides are emitted by vehicles, which is why the 2015 Dieselgate scandal is also a significant contributor to air pollution. The emissions scandal first involved Volkswagen when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found defeat devices in the German automakers’ diesel cars. The cheat software was used to manipulate emissions results during lab tests so that they appeared to be emitting a volume of fumes that was within legal limits. In real-world driving conditions, though, the NOx emissions were way over mandated levels.
After VW, other car manufacturers were implicated in the scandal. The
Mercedes emissions scandal is one example. Other manufacturers include Audi, BMW, Porsche, Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Ford, Alfa Romeo, Renault, Jeep, Nissan, Suzuki, and Citroen. Over the years, these car makers have been paying fines, compensation payouts, and recalling affected vehicles so these can be upgraded with new engines and software.
How To Help
Regardless of your gender, you can help reduce toxic gas emissions, especially if your vehicle is affected by the diesel emission scandal. Visit your manufacturer’s website to find out if your car was fitted with a defeat device. If you own a Mercedes-Benz, visit their site where they have a page dedicated to Mercedes diesel claims.
Once you have verified that your vehicle is affected, get in touch with a team of emissions experts such as the ones at Emissions.co.uk. They will help you go through the process every step of the way.
