Stricter car emissions standards 'are needed'

Date: 6/4/2011

A stricter code for transport emissions is needed to improve public health and maintain a good environment, according to a report from NASA.

The study, carried out by a team of scientists led by Drew Shindell of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, found there could be increased agricultural yields and climate benefits from reducing car emissions.

It was found that the fumes from exhaust pipes have a big impact on all nations, with developing countries suffering the most.

According to Mr Shindell, there could be huge environmental and financial benefits to cutting emissions.

"The adoption of aggressive standards by 2015 would set the world on a course to prevent the deaths of 200,000 people and save $1.5 trillion in health damages each year after 2030," the expert recommended.

A similar call to phase out the use of conventional cars in cities was made recently by Chris Church, Chairman of the Low Carbon Communities Network, as it will have positive health impacts.

Posted by Nick Anderson