The world will be watching as Sweden plans to be the first country to introduce eco-labels on all petrol and diesel pumps to disclose the climate impact of fuel.
It was initially supposed to be done from May 1 but is likely to be delayed by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
A law requiring that action was passed by the Swedish parliament nearly two years ago, the labels outlining climate impact, fuel origin, raw materials used and more are designed to get those topping up to think about the impact of fossil fuels and perhaps encourage a switch to EVs.
Even electricity sold at charging stations run by fuel retailers are required to have similar labelling.
The labels could prevent transport emissions from resurging once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted, according to climate activists keen to see them introduced in Australia and New Zealand.
Global lockdowns have seen emissions and pollution fall, bringing clearer skies in many cities and concerns that air pollution may return once the pandemic is over, Stuff reports.
It says British and US health experts support the eco-label idea in a recent British Medical Journal opinion.
In New Zealand, Massey University’s Robert McLachlan is asking the Government to consider it and also provide a similar warning on any advertisement for a petrol or diesel vehicle.
He believes New Zealand is well suited for EVs because of the country’s extensive renewable energy.
Some other countries and regions suggest eco-labelling should be introduced world-wide.
Cambridge city in Massachusetts, for instance, has a rule requiring such labels on service station pumps but that may also be delayed by pandemic restrictions.
The Swedish Association of Green Motorists backs eco-labelling and provides consumer information about cars and transport with a focus on environment, climate and health.
It suggests and promotes sustainable policy in these areas, plus scrutinises car companies, fuel firms and other companies related to transport, and tests alternative fuel cars, electric bikes and other vehicles, as well as mobility services.
Extracted from Autotalk