As countries develop, more and more people buy and use their own cars. Do you think the advantages of this trend for individuals outweigh the disadvantages for the environment?

Economic growth around the world has led to a surge in owning private vehicles.

Although

both individuals and society benefit from

this

approach, I believe that environmental damage outweighs the benefits. It is undeniable that owning a private vehicle brings several benefits for both humans and society. On an individual aspect, a car has given the owner the freedom of movement.

This

means that more people can travel for the ease of transportation, with no time wasting for taking the bus or train.

Also

, families can travel together more easily, especially when there are elderly or disabled members who might find public transport uncomfortable to use. On the societal level, the automobile industry is deeply integrated into the global economy, generating significant employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth.

For example

, thousands of jobs have been created to serve automobile travellers

such

as working at the filling station and garage.

However

, the disadvantages of

this

trend for the environment should not be overlooked.

Firstly

, it is undeniable that cars are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change and global warming.

Additionally

, car emissions contribute to

air

pollution, releasing pollutants

such

as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can harm human health and degrade

air

quality. To illustrate,

according to

a study by the European Environment Agency, road transport is responsible for over 70% of the total carbon monoxide emissions, which is a major

air

pollutant, in Europe.

As a result

, many people in cities have suffered from diseases because of their exposure to the contaminated atmosphere.

Secondly

, the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and parking infrastructure can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and environmental degradation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. In conclusion, even though private car ownership offers convenience, the burgeoning numbers take a significant toll on the environment. The detrimental impacts on

air

quality and heightened resource consumption far outweigh the benefits, underscoring the efforts to promote sustainable transportation solutions,

such

as public transit, cycling infrastructure, car-sharing programs, and the adoption of electric vehicles

while

ensuring continued access to mobility and convenience for individuals.