California dreaming
Vehicles and Air Pollution . California . USA
California is famous for environmental awareness campaigns. Last month, the government banned the purchase of sports utility vehicles by the state. But what do ordinary Californians think? Sure enough, they blame automobiles for air pollution, but only other people's cars. So says a poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Forty-seven per cent Californians think vehicle emissions were the top contributor to air pollution. However, only 44 per cent believe it is their own cars that are responsible.
Clearly, Californians love their cars, at any cost. Only a staggering four per cent think the potential for pollution should be a factor while purchasing a new vehicle. On the flip side, Californians seem to be more in favour of environmental protection, as 65 per cent residents said they would rather see environmental protection measures over economic growth, compared to only 47 per cent in a recent all- us poll.