Car and Driver

In the following viewpoint, the editors of Car and Driver magazine argue that contrary to the claims of environmentalists, gasoline-burning vehicles contribute only a small percentage to total greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative energy sources such as fuel cells, electric cars, and solar power cannot compete with gasoline-powered engines on the basis of cost and fuel efficiency, according to the authors. In the authors’ opinion, curtailing automobile use is a misguided approach to solving the dubious problem of global warming.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How has the automobile industry reacted to the anti- automobile media campaign, in the authors’ opinion?
2. According the authors, what percentage of passenger vehicles sold are sports utility vehicles, pickups, and vans?
3. By how much would total carbon dioxide emissions from man-made sources...