People around the world, especially younger generations, are experiencing eco-anxiety, a series of negative emotions, specifically fear and nervousness, associated with climate change and environmental degradation.
A survey conducted across 10 countries and involving over 10,000 young people explored the public’s general feelings about climate change, and whether they believe the government is doing enough to address the issue. Almost all the respondents said that they were concerned about the consequences of climate change, with almost 60 percent of them admitting that they are “extremely” and “very worried.”
The respondents also associate climate change with negative emotions such as “afraid,” “anxious,” “angry,” “sad,” and “powerless.” Around 45 percent of them said that the negative emotions they feel about climate change have an impact on their daily lives.
It is not just young people who are worried about climate change. Many adults, too, are concerned about how their actions are contributing to environmental degradation.
Eco-anxiety has an influence on how people behave, including the purchasing decisions they make on a daily basis.
The Automobile Industry’s Sustainable Transformation
Sustainability has been a priority for consumers. Nowadays, when consumers choose their vehicles, they do not just pick internal power or paint color. They consider the potential impact of the vehicle on the environment. Vehicles that run on electricity rather than fuel are considered to be better overall to the planet because their carbon footprint is much lower than conventional automobiles.
The market for electric vehicles (EVs) is still small, even in the United States. EVs currently represent only 1 percent of all the automobiles on the road across the country.
However, the demand is growing significantly. Since 2010, the annual sales of electric vehicles have soared 19,302.85 percent. From 1,191 EVs sold in 2010, by 2020, the number has swelled to 231,088.
Although many are still unsure, EV is gaining followers, especially among the younger crowd. In a recent survey, 42 percent of members of Generation Z and 47 percent of millennials want to buy an electric vehicle.
Many automobile manufacturers are moving toward a future where all cars on the road are EVs. General Motors has plans to stop manufacturing gas-powered vehicles completely by 2035. Meanwhile, Ford said that it will only sell electric vehicles in Europe by 2030.
But Tesla dominates the market even if it does not advertise its products. In 2020 alone, Tesla sold more EVs than all automobile manufacturers combined.
New Features that Prioritise the Environment
In addition, more consumers are looking for features that further reduce their emissions. Whether they go for an eclectic vehicle or a more conventional car, there are other features that reduce its environmental impact. For example, choosing light-colored paint or a stylish car wrap can reduce the heat that comes inside the car during summer. It prevents the interior of the car from overheating.
Swapping the headlights and taillights to LED is also much better for the environment. The traditional halogen bulb guzzles energy. According to reports, it uses up to five times more energy than an LED bulb. Moreover, halogen bulbs can reach dangerous temperatures and become a fire risk.
LED bulbs are not just energy-efficient and eco-friendly; they are brighter and sharper than halogen bulbs. They are perfect when driving in foggy and dark conditions.
There are also sensors that can monitor and reduce the poisonous fumes that are emitted by vehicles. Many eco-friendly vehicles already come equipped with sensors that control emissions.
Sustainability is Good for Business
The previous ways people do business have proven to be problematic because they led to increased greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. A lot needs to change to prevent climate disasters and environmental collapse in the future.
However, although new technologies and techniques need to be developed, shifting toward eco-friendly practices is actually good for business.
As previous reports showed, there is a strong demand for sustainable products. It is not just cars. People are willing to pay more for things that are eco-friendly.
One survey found that almost two-thirds (or 64 percent) of respondents will shell out more money if it means they can reduce their negative environmental impact. Many, however, are unable to identify which products are sustainable. So, marketing the product as sustainable will capture the attention of consumers.
Eco-anxiety, or fear of the impending consequences of climate change, is shifting trends across all sectors, including automobile manufacturing. People are looking for products that can reduce their carbon footprint and, as a response, carmakers are shifting toward more environmentally-friendly products and practices. Going green is not only good for the planet, but it also creates huge potential for increased profits and brand loyalty.
