Air pollution is a worldwide problem discussed actively in global conferences. Most of these air pollution problems are linked with the emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), which include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxide. GHGs themselves cause more problems including global warming, emission of Particulate Matter (PM, which is well-known as micro-dust), and ecosystem destruction.

There are numerous sources of GHG emission, and one of the biggest emissions comes from cars. All cars emit nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, and it makes up 15 percent of all GHGs emitted. Particularly, old diesel cars produce about 5 times more nitrogen oxide compared to new cars, as new gasoline cars emit 0.1g/km of nitrogen oxide, whereas old diesel cars emit 0.56g/km. Also, old diesel cars emit about 2 times more carbon dioxide compared to new cars, and what is worse, these old cars contribute to 52 percent of Korea’s total PM emission.

Due to this, international efforts have been made. For example, the OECD, International Transport Forum, and the FIA Foundation identified this issue and provided a comprehensive report of the emission rates and impacts to facilitate actions in solving this issue. Subsequently, worldwide measures were taken, such as Canada’s “Retire Your Ride” and Norway’s “Vehicle Scrap Deposit Tax”, which try to replace old diesel cars by giving subsidies or giving back tax when the vehicle is scrapped. Also, Korea recently increased subsidies for replacing old diesel cars with new cars which use efficient energy. Diesel cars produced before 2002.7.1 are classified as old diesel cars, and 6 million won is given as a subsidy for scrapping an old diesel car. These efforts should be continued to alleviate the current problem of air pollution.

서영탁 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

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