cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/54245880
The U.S. war with Iran has raised fossil fuel prices so much that the resulting drop in oil demand has put the world on track to see a rare dip in carbon emissions from these sources in 2026.
Between 2019 and 2025, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels grew by about 0.8 percent annually, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. But 2026 is set to buck that trend: high oil prices, as well as the continued rise of green technology—solar power, wind and electric cars—will cause a “short-term” 0.4 percent drop, according to the study.
“The high petrol prices following the war in Iran are reducing oil use and keeping emissions low,” says the study’s lead author Corinne Le Quéré, a professor of climate change science at the University of East Anglia in England. “But that’s not the whole story: The expansion of renewable energy has progressed a lot in recent years, led by China. And [along with electric vehicles], this is offsetting two thirds of the growing demand for energy.”
With all sources of carbon considered, including deforestation, total global CO2 emissions are set to continue increasing.
It’s the sticker price of EVs that is the concern for people. Maybe also the price to install a charger at home? If car manufacturers would make more affordable EVs I bet more people would happily get one when they need a new car
I bought my 2023 Bolt EUV used still with the manufacturer warranty for $15.5k. Not cheap, but certainly not insanely high either.
As for charger, most people don’t need more than a standard wall outlet provides at 115V 12 amps. I charge mine on a 230V plug at 24 amps, which most people can accomplish easily with even an existing 100 amp service panel.
I have owned an EV for 7+ years and do not have a have charger, but rarely charge anywhere else. You can charge them at 8A 120V overnight and still get more range than most people use most days. I mostly charge at 12A 120V.
Maybe. The lack of BEVs (or even PHEVs) in the US market is certainly woeful.