Donald Trump’s Impact on Electric Vehicles
He has vowed to shred President Biden’s E.V. policies and has threatened that “You won’t be able to sell those cars.”
Donald J. Trump is crystal clear about his disdain for electric vehicles. The former president has falsely claimed electric cars don’t work, promised to shred President Biden’s policies that encourage E.V. manufacturing and sales, and has said he would slap a “100 percent tariff” on electric cars imported from Mexico if he retakes the White House.
“You’re not going to be able to sell those cars,” he has said.
But analysts say that even if Mr. Trump is elected and ends federal policies that support electric vehicles, by the time that happens, the market may have reached a level where it would keep growing without government help.
A record 1.2 million Americans bought electric vehicles last year, making up 7.6 percent of new car sales and moving the cars and trucks from the margin to the mainstream of the American auto market. Analysts project that will climb to 10 percent this year, which researchers say could signal a tipping point for rapid, widespread E.V. adoption.
While a Trump presidency couldn’t slam the brakes on the E.V. transition, it could throw enough sand in the gears to slow it down. And that might have significant consequences for the fight to stop global warming.
President Biden placed electric vehicles at the heart of his climate agenda because scientists say that a rapid switch from gasoline-powered cars to electric versions is one of the most effective ways to slow the carbon dioxide emissions that are dangerously heating the planet. Last year was the hottest in recorded history and scientists say the world is on track to heat up even more, to the point where parts of the planet will be unlivable.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the transition from gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles (EVs) as a means to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat global warming. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 9, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the mainstream adoption of EVs, which can contribute to creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Finally, the emphasis on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and combating global warming connects to SDG 13, which addresses climate action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The transition to electric vehicles and the adoption of renewable energy sources contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2). The development and expansion of EV manufacturing and sales also require upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable (SDG 9.4). The mainstream adoption of EVs can help reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities by decreasing carbon dioxide emissions (SDG 11.6). Lastly, integrating climate change measures, such as promoting EV adoption, into national policies and planning aligns with SDG 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of new car sales represented by electric vehicles
- Market projections for the growth of electric vehicle adoption
- Carbon dioxide emissions reduction from gasoline-powered cars
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The percentage of new car sales represented by electric vehicles indicates the market penetration and adoption rate of EVs, reflecting progress towards increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2). Market projections for the growth of electric vehicle adoption provide insights into the expected expansion of sustainable industries and infrastructure (SDG 9.4). Additionally, monitoring carbon dioxide emissions reduction from gasoline-powered cars can serve as an indicator of progress in reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage of new car sales represented by electric vehicles |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | Market projections for the growth of electric vehicle adoption |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. | Carbon dioxide emissions reduction from gasoline-powered cars |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Market projections for the growth of electric vehicle adoption |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: nytimes.com
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