EV reusability batteries plus point, but carbon emissions a worry: Author Nagesh Hegde

In a session on climate change, environment and science, author Nagesh Hegde made some observations that could make the public rethink the environmental implications of electric vehicles. 

“While reusability is beneficial, carbon emissions from lithium battery production outweigh those from diesel or petrol vehicles,” he noted. 

The session was titled ‘Navu-Neevu mathu tapamaana - Me and you and climate change’ and featured Hegde in conversation with Kannada author Gururaj S Davangere. 

Addressing the heavy investments in electric vehicles, he pointed out that if all the solar panels produced globally were stacked, they would reach the moon. 

The discussion began with the topic of Bengaluru’s worsening Air Quality Index. At a value of 130, it is poor, Hegde noted. He compared it to an earlier article, which indicated that the city’s air is the cleanest among major Indian cities. 

In his arguments, Hegde advocated for eco-friendly urban development that integrates nature restoration. Highlighting the Great Green Wall initiative — a vast project aimed at combating desertification in Africa — he suggested applying similar principles in Karnataka to address local challenges and promote climate restoration.

Bengaluru’s water crisis can be solved by turning the city into a “sponge city,” similar to Wuhan, China because of its abundant lakes, Hegde said.