Before the 1970s, emissions (never mind their control) weren't on anyone's radar screen.
The early paradox of emissions is that during the 50s, 60s and early 70s there simply weren't as many cars on the road, unfortunately however, the cars that were in use pale (well, maybe not pale considering the hydrocarbons) in comparison to modern vehicles where pollution is concerned. The overall affect on the environment therefore, has been pretty much a wash, as any JV environmentalist will certainly tell you we have been contributing massive amounts of Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxide and Hydrocarbons to the atmosphere for decades.
The effects of global warming from air-borne pollutants is very much front and center today and barring any technological or atmospheric miracles, will remain so through our natural lives as the global consumption of fossil fuels continues to increase. Commercial and industrial use by developed countries will be further offset by the increased demand for resources by developing nations like China, meaning major, worldwide programs such as Kyoto will need to be adopted if we are going to have any possibility of holding back the proverbial tide.
What can you, as an individual do, you ask?
Well, being aware of global issues is a good place to start and adhering to a environmentally-friendly lifestyle, including recycling and conscious consumption of resources helps as well. Another great place to look however, is your tailpipe.
The mid 70s gave us some regulation of automotive pollutants (not to mention the catalytic converter), though times have obviously changed while the updates from the EPA have obviously lagged. Regardless, the role of the environemtal protection agency is to place minumum standards in industry, so you can actually have a greater impact by caring for and monitoring your own personal emissions. No, I don't mean a trip to the doctor, but rather an ongoing awareness of your vehicle(s)' condition. This means regular maintenance, especially to components involving emissions components, and again, conscious consumption.
Fortunately, some states like Massachusetts take the onus of making the right decisions off vehicle owners altogether, by requiring annual emissions testing and certification. Other states like Michigan, however, have no testing at all...curious that it happens to be the same state that is (once was) the center of the North American automotive industry.
Either way, petrol and diesel consumption are going to continue for many years, even with the invention, development and adoption of new technologies and resources. It is therefore, our duty as responsible car owners to do the most we can to minimize the impact of our collective commute.
To read a simplified article on the nature of the pollutants, click here.
To see a basic timeline of emissions developments, click here.
To read some more in-depth accounts of the automobile and the environment, click here or here.
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