Interest in electric vehicles is increasing worldwide, but recent data from Google Trends suggests this may be driven more by technological appeal than by concerns about global warming.
One environmental expert links this shift to the politicization of climate change. Searches for “electric vehicle” and “EV” have risen steadily over the past decade, with “China EV” reaching an all-time high this year.
This milestone underlines the success of China’s EV sector, which surpassed an annual production volume of 10 million units this year.
According to Google, a spike in search trends indicates an increase in user interest in a specific topic compared to usual levels.
Global warming is at its lowest level in twenty years
Searches for “global warming” have fallen to their lowest level since tracking began in 2004, a figure previously only matched during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. the South China Morning Post writes.
According to Paul Harris, professor of global and environmental studies at the Education University of Hong Kong, there has been a global shift away from the use of the term “global warming.” For scientists, this is because warming, along with other effects of rising greenhouse gas emissions, is encompassed by the broader concept of climate change.
The shift towards using the term ‘climate change’ has not been accompanied by widespread global acceptance of the issue. The concept remains highly politicized, embroiled in domestic and geopolitical debates, and influenced by various vested interests. Climate action advocates often use alternative terminology to address these challenges, Harris noted.
According to Climate Power, mentions of global warming, climate change and the environment peaked during the 2000 US presidential election.
Recently, the focus in the US has shifted to promoting renewable energy for job creation, as this approach is seen as more politically acceptable than framing it around environmental or health benefits.
Beijing’s clean energy goals are clouded by coal and rising trade conflicts
Harris noted that while China is a leader in solar and wind energy, the country continues to approve new coal-fired power plants and set records for coal production. Beijing’s push for clean energy and electric vehicles is part of a strategy to diversify its energy network and achieve self-sufficiency.
However, concerns about Chinese overcapacity have led the EU and US to impose tariffs on electric vehicles and renewable energy products, escalating trade tensions.
According to Harris, the transition away from fossil fuels is inevitable because of the long-term benefits, but the problem is that global efforts to tackle climate change are progressing at a glacial pace.
A major goal of international climate policy has been to limit global warming to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. This year is the first full year in which warming is expected to exceed that level by more than 1.5 degrees.
While it may be practically feasible to keep warming below 2 degrees, Harris noted that this could be “politically impossible” given the current geopolitical climate.
