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Problem Set 3

Part 1

In 2020, there will be a sharp decrease of sales, regardless of both the type of economy

and type of car. This decrease is followed by an overall decrease in sales, but only of

conventional vehicles. The decrease in sales in 2020, means that there was a decrease in carbon

emissions that year. But this does not reveal anything about energy, it could’ve stayed the same,

increased, or decreased. Showing that there was less energy being used from vehicles. The

decrease in conventional vehicles could also indicate that during the pandemic, individuals either

made a switch to electric or held off on purchasing a vehicle because of the pandemic.

Pre-pandemic (before 2020), the sales of electric vehicles was small. Both emerging and

advanced economies had no sales until after 2020. However, one would think that advanced

economies would have more electric vehicles sales but that is not the case. Revealing that

advanced economies already have an established, and much larger, dependence on conventional

vehicles. Though there is an increase in sales of electric vehicles in advanced economies, it is not

the same as emerging economies.

Conventional cars and SUVs in both advanced and emerging economies are likely

cheaper, since they have the largest sales. If this were not true, then there is no reason that

electronic vehicle sales would be so low and only start increasing after the pandemic. Suggesting

that regardless of the stage of an economy, conventional vehicles will be cheaper.

Both economies, both advanced and emerging, contribute to carbon emissions

significantly. If the previous statement, of conventional being cheaper is true, then despite the

decrease in conventional vehicle sales after 2020, carbon emissions will still be high and come
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from conventional vehicles. As well as the energy consumption from these conventional

vehicles.

Part 2:

Support

In certain regions, the solar panels would be working at high efficiency. Even in regions

that are cloudy, it will still be working. This would allow for certain energy demands, such as

heat, to be met with ease. And there are no emissions once installed, there are many types and

scales of panels, making it ideal for homes.

The position of the solar panels would also allow for easy maintenance, making it easy

for individuals to keep up with the maintenance. Specifically the elderly, who the solar panels

would meet their energy demands easily. It is also a true renewable, as the sun will always be

there and thus makes maintenance easy.

Against

Not all new and pre-existing homes have the same roof space for panels. Which will

affect the energy demand of individuals in these homes. This could create an unbalanced

collection of energy, which would not be able to keep up with modern lifestyle. This could also

cause conflict, as some individuals may believe that they are not receiving the same as their

neighbors or that their neighbors are hoarding the energy. Additionally, the mining footprint is

significant, those who are aware of this may be against solar panel installations.

Geographical regions must also be taken into consideration and solar panels are weather

dependent. Some regions will not be suitable for solar panels. Along with this the maintenance

could prove to be too troublesome. These regions could be those prone to natural disasters or
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recurring storms. Which could lead to the panel constantly getting damaged or stuff covering the

panels, meaning they will constantly be working below high efficiency or not even close to it.

Part3:

The demand for efficient and reliable energy will only increase as these stronger

hurricanes and typhoons appear. This will either increase innovation in a sustainable manner or

increase whatever is cheapest and fastest at the time. This could mean a decrease in renewables

and an increase in non-renewables, as they could be a more readily available source in a disaster.

Setting back any progress in renewables and having it become a cycle as weather disasters

become more intense.

Some energy sources may not be as reliable anymore in these regions as they will be

affected by weather disasters. Which would decrease their reliability, increase the potential for

damaging or breaking these sources, and decrease their usage in the long run. Once more making

it favorable to use non-renewables. An example would be solar panels, that in hurricanes would

not be working at high efficiency, could be blocked by debris or damaged. Though not expensive

to replace, over time, would incur a significant cost. An increasing demand for nonrenewable

sources, which may be phased out in some parts and no longer compatible with the energy

infrastructure.