Swift Sport emits about 2000kg of CO2 per annum; Audi TT emits about 2200kg.
According to The CarbonNeutral Company’s online carbon calculator, a 4×4 vehicle emits an average of 3.3 tonnes of CO2 annually based on a driving distance of 12,000 kilometres. A Suzuki Swift Sport (click and read about a modified Swift Sport here) is responsible for 2 tonnes, with a 200bhp Audi TT (2015 model tested in Marbella, Spain) contributing an extra 200kg of CO2.
Compared to these eco-unfriendly rides, the Toyota Prius is probably as clean as a whistle, with young plants sprouting wherever the iconic hybrid glides past (as suggested by the photo below).
Honestly, carbon emissions are an abstract concept to me. I mean, isn’t carbon dioxide what they add to soft drinks to make them fizzy and tasty?
I’m also a bit lost when experts talk about the greenhouse effect, climate change, carbon footprints and the Kyoto Protocol. Throw hybrid cars, the diesel riddle and electric dreams into the mix and my confusion is complete. National Geographic can only do so much to make me understand.
What I do know is that I won’t see the very last litre of premium unleaded in my lifetime. So I would try to recycle, reduce and reuse what I can, but I refuse to cut down on my joyful consumption of fast cars and fabulous “carma”. These are my cigarettes, and I just cannot kick the smoking habit, no matter how harmful it is.
For now, instead of saving the Earth, I prefer to save my mirth. I’m playing my part, though, by using fewer plastic bags and less paper (while also printing/writing on both sides). But I’ll continue to use more throttle than I should, and I would rather buy carbon fibre than carbon credit.
Those plants in the foreground sprouted soon after the Priuses arrived.
