Climate notes for March 30th 2024

I note below a story about EVs causing a tyre boom. Because of their relative torque capabilities and sheer weight, they're rallying through expensive tyres quicker than a regular car. Now, I say that, but I think this is a problem where low quality tyres are fitted to heavier cars. Because my mother in law drivers a 6 year old Tesla which still has perfectly fine original tyres on it.

And it brings up a point I've belaboured a lot; EVs are not a panacea. They are absolutely the main way we should have folks travel by car. The size of the car is a debate we should have, but the car itself is a problem. In a town or city public transport (also an EV) should be the only presented option outside of active travel. And yes, I count cycling an electric bike as active travel. But on motorways, shopping trips, etc., cars are fine but should exclusively be EVs.

It's also a different point, but worth noting, that the incentivisation of EV ownership can probably stop now. We don't need to give grants to folks for buying an expensive EV.

Tabs

• UN issues red alert on climate
• Dutch nuclear startup gets french cash injection
• More people care about climate than you think
• Climate quitting. I don't think I could bring myself to work for a fossil company.
• UV can kill most viruses
• EU deforestation rules shake up coffee
• Trains that keep going when the cable ends
• Race is on to make Paris mosquito-free. Now that this is a threat in the West, we care.
• Current state on earth: obscene
• EVs causing a tyre boom