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Does a diesel engine cause less harm to the environment than one using gasoline? On first sight it would seem that the answer is yes. Diesel engines produce less CO2 emissions, which is good news for the environment. A build up of excessive CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere causes a layer of gas to form that traps heat, contributing to global warming. If diesel provides a healthy alternative to gasoline, there would be a good argument for using this fuel more extensively.

But this is only part of the equation. Although the CO2 emissions are less, the production of diesel requires a far greater amount of oil and produces more pollution than the production of gasoline. So this offsets some of the advantages of using diesel. And research has shown that the toxic emissions from the tailpipe of diesel driven vehicles contains more of the soot particles that cause smog and carry air borne sources of cancer and breathing problems.

With the introduction of biodiesel - a diesel produced from animal or vegetable fats, the switch to cleaner fuels may be closer than we think. Biodiesel outlets are now beginning to open across the world, and many existing vehicles (Mercedes and Toyota, for example) are able to make the switch. But before you rush out and fill up in one of the new biodiesel stations, get some advice on the minor preparations that you will need to make.

Both gasoline and diesel carry polluting and damaging gases into our atmosphere. There is no question that improving fuel technology will reduce the harm being caused to the environment, and monitoring both gasoline and diesel processes nust continue. Unless we all opt to stay at home, we should take every possible action to reduce the risk that driving our vehicles poses to our environment. Both diesel and gasoline driven vehicles are harming our planet, and the search to find a clean alternative should be taken seriously by all.

Learn more about this author, Gill Breeze.
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