Analyzing the Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Increased Petrol and Diesel consumption and its emissions in relation to Alternate Fuels

Abstract

India is one of the largest consumers of petrol and diesel. Increased petrol and diesel consumption and emissions have significant environmental and public health impacts. Petrol and diesel are fossil fuels that emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter when burned in engines. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. In addition to their harmful effects on public health, petrol and diesel emissions also contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The increase in global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions is linked to rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and other environmental disruptions.To mitigate these impacts, efforts are being made to transition towards alternative fuels that emit fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases. This study analyses fuel efficiency, emissions, and cost-effectiveness of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles compared to alternate fuel vehicles such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), Auto Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Biodiesel, and Hydrogen fuel. The analysis also done on the growth of petrol and diesel with respect to the sales of two and four wheeler vehicles. To secure a sustainable and healthy future, it is necessary to shift towards the alternate fuels to reduce the environmental and public health impacts resulting from the increased consumption of petrol and diesel and the associated emissions.