SUVs are 2nd highest contributor to rise in CO2 emissions

According to a report by the International Energy Agency, SUVs are the second-highest contributor to the increase in global carbon dioxide emissions since 2010.

The report states that SUVs comprise of 40% of the total annual car sales. The figure stood at less than 20% a decade ago. This has resulted in the carbon dioxide emissions from SUVs increasing by nearly 0.55 Gt during the last decade to around 0.7 Gt. The increase in emissions from SUVs is behind the power sector, but ahead of heavy industries, trucks, aviation and shipping. Carbon dioxide emissions from other internal combustion engine cars has decreased.

The report also states that between 2010 and 2018, SUVs were responsible for increasing the oil demand from passenger cars by 3.3 million barrels a day. SUVs are said to consume a quarter more energy than medium-size cars.