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Since the 1980s a trade in cars that fall foul of environmental legislation has developed. That might seem odd. Surely old vehicles pumping out emissions deemed damaging to the planet just head for the scrap heap? Well, no.
Many cars, particularly those built in the last decade or so, are perfectly capable of running well for tens of thousands of miles after consumers in the likes of the US and Europe sell them on. And the market for those is booming in other parts of the world. Regulations might take them off the roads they were initially registered on, but used vehicles are shipped in their thousands to African and South American countries. And while it might seem to make sense to keep products running as long as they are working, it means their damaging impact is merely relocated.
Mend Mariwany, executive producer of The Conversation Weekly podcast, speaks with experts on the trade for this week’s episode. Also, this new research explores the damaging impact extreme heat is having on India’s efforts to tackle poverty.
Meanwhile, theoryofknowledge.net has been producing mini-lessons in partnership with The Conversation based on some of our articles (eg. this on establishing common ground). The lessons are primarily aimed at students taking International Baccalaureate programmes, but could also be useful to other educators.
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