Filed under: Diesel, Europe/EU, North America, USA



Airborne particulate matter can really do a number on us humans, particularly with regard to our cardiovascular systems. It seems reasonable for air pollution, then, to be a major concern when calculating the environmental and health costs of the way we do business. Diesel-powered transport has come under particularly scrutiny and particulate matter from diesel exhaust has been widely blamed for diseases such as lung cancer in humans. Perhaps, though, commercial diesel has gotten too tough of a rap, as a new paper from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (which includes nations outside of Europe, including the US) suggests.

Titled Diesel Engines Exhausts: Myths and Realities, the UN paper finds that most particulate matter emissions in Europe (83 percent), as well as in the US and Canada (97 percent), come not from diesel transport, but from other economic sectors. This is not to say that the UNECE suggests that reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines shouldn't be a priority. It calls for being more aggressive and targeted in that respect, but points out a need for increased focus on the worst offenders, the largest of those being "the commercial, institutional and household sector." It also notes the economic importance of diesel engines, stating that "it is not feasible to replace and eliminate them at this stage."
The UNECE also looks to set the record straight about diesel technology, even using it as an illustration of what has been done correctly. The paper affirms the reduction of air pollutants from cleaner diesel tech. Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum Allen Schaeffer extrapolates upon this notion: "There is no better example than diesel as a technology and as an industry that has undergone a complete transformation in so little time that is enhancing our environment and quality of life around the globe." Schaeffer sees diesel technology and global emissions standards as particularly important for developing countries.

For the time being, diesel is here to stay, and as long as it is, we can expect there to be problems associated with it. For the UNECE and folks like Allen Schaeffer, that news isn't as bad as some have thought, particularly with more dangerous options available. And as long as we're working toward a healthier planet, the occasional reality check can help us prioritize our efforts to make the largest positive impact. Read on for more from the Diesel Technology Forum in the press release below.Continue reading UN says diesel trucks might not be worst emission offenders

UN says diesel trucks might not be worst emission offenders originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 May 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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