Our views on vehicles and vehicle fuel consumption are symbolic of how we view our commitment to lowering emissions. People aren't buying huge SUV's because they've analyzed the data to determine that the relative impact of their consumption isn't worth buying a smaller vehicle. They are choosing to spend more on fuel-guzzling vehicles (and spend more on fuel) because their consumption and output is an afterthought.

While total overall emissions (in the U.S.) may be steady or shrinking, the total amount of emissions for transportation is growing. There's no excuse for that. All it tells us is that an overall reduction in GHG emissions could be even lower if people made slightly more conscientious transport choices.

https://rhg.com/research/preliminary-2017-us-emissions/

"People aren't buying huge SUV's because they've analyzed the data to determine that the relative impact of their consumption isn't worth buying a smaller vehicle."

Just curious how you know this to be true.

It's an assumption. Would be happy to be proven wrong if you know otherwise.

Anecdotal only, but I notice my friends with more than 3 kids need a larger vehicle. Also, heavier vehicles are safer for the passengers. And some people need to carry cargo.

I'm sure not everyone has a 'good' reason, but a fair number of people do make a conscious choice.

My assertion wasn't I assumed that people aren't making a conscious choice, but rather that they aren't pouring over international carbon emissions data as part of that decision making process.

As far as what families feel they "need", I think it represents a larger societal issue around how we manage vehicle use and ownership. Most pickup trucks I see on the road aren't hauling cargo. And most 7 or 8 passenger SUVs have 1 or 2 people in them.

> Also, heavier vehicles are safer for the passengers.

Yes, for the passengers in that particular vehicle. More dangerous for others on the road who can't afford or are unwilling to purchase a similarly sized vehicle.