As wealthy countries electrify their fleets, they are exporting millions of used gas-powered vehicles to developing nations, threatening efforts to curb emissions and worsening air quality.
Rich nations are sending millions of gas cars to the Global South, adding to emissions rather than reducing them.
These used cars are often outdated and lack modern emissions or safety features, worsening pollution and road conditions.
Developing countries have weak regulations, making it easy for low-quality vehicles to flood their markets.
Key quote:
"I'm really worried that everything is going to be gas vehicles for many years, maybe decades."
— Godwin Ayetor, senior lecturer, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Why this matters:
A surge in gas-powered cars in developing nations will increase global emissions, hindering efforts to tackle climate change. Without stricter regulations, these countries risk becoming dumping grounds for polluting vehicles, undermining long-term sustainability and health outcomes.
When African leaders gathered in the Dutch city of Rotterdam this week to find solutions and money for climate change adaptation, only one European head of state joined them in person.
