The Diesel Disaster

The Diesel Disaster

2019, Environment  -   9 Comments
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Ratings: 7.73/10 from 30 users.

Budget-conscious drivers in Germany seized the opportunity to invest in diesel-fueled vehicles. The promise of high gas mileage and environmentally friendly emission levels was too alluring to resist. Now, in the wake of stricter limitations on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, many of these consumers are stuck with cars they are forbidden to drive, and their vehicles are becoming less valuable and more obsolete by the day. The Diesel Disaster investigates the real hazards posed by these emissions, and what it means for the future of "green" automobiles.

The controversy represents a battle between environmental activists and the exceedingly lucrative auto makers in Germany. The consumers are caught in the middle.

Bolstered by World Health Organization recommendations, German environmental agencies contend that intensified NO2 levels (such as those produced by diesel automobiles) can lead to widespread pollution, increased health concerns and premature deaths. Not so, say some members of the medical and research communities dismissing these critiques as empty analytical evaluations which lack the support of real world evidence. On the other hand, it is often impossible to isolate and measure the precise impact of NO2 in the formation of pulmonary disease and other disorders.

The filmmakers rely on the expertise of environmental scientists and medical professionals in their quest to find consensus in this debate. They question the accuracy of emission readings, its ultimate impact on the health of city dwellers, and the effectiveness of an overall diesel ban. Can German citizens trust the allegations being lobbed from either side of the issue? Are these environmental restrictions too strict or too lax, and how do they measure up to those that regulate other major cities across the globe?

While the debate continues to mount, the courts have banned diesel driving in several German cities, and many others are in line for similar restrictions. This could potentially take hundreds of thousands of drivers off the road, impacting their employment security and property values.

The Diesel Disaster reaches no definitive answers in this ongoing debate, but offers a wealth of well-reasoned arguments that viewers can use to form their own conclusions.

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Martyn Raybould
Martyn Raybould
2 years ago

As usual both the local and government politicians are taking the easy way out to make themselves look caring, or to avoid possible backlash. The evidence clearly isnt there about particulates. Add to that the lying manufacturers, who's CEO's and executive officers should be prosecuted for what they have allowed to happen and again, its the drivers and families who pay the price not those that should.. What is needed is real impartial science, honesty by government and manufacturers so a real picture can be evidenced, then a serious plan of action agreed and enforced. I drive a Mercedes E-350 turbo diesel, because I trusted Mercedes, I researched the engine for its mpg and its reliability. Never again will I buy a Mercedes or other German car, and I wont buy pure EV either, because they lie more than diesel manufacturers, the components and life of an EV are worse for the environment in other ways but the environmentalists believe and sell the rubbish they want to believe.. I will vote with my feet next time and buy a petrol/hybrid car from Japan or Korea etc..
I will also vote with my feet when choosing the next government of the UK!
Car owner from England

Vladimir
Vladimir
2 years ago

If statement from 05:45 - 05:52 is not enough... What is?

Jack
Jack
5 years ago

If you really want cleaner air! Then stop all Global "Geoengineering" and or "Climate engineering" utilizing 2.5-10 micron size "Nano particulates" that harm all life. Animal, plant, insect, fish, etc. Diesel engines emissions? That is chump change in the scheme of things. The Global aerosol dispersement of these particulates invades the Brain, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Kidneys, Immune system etc. Slowly destroying one's body and all functions thereof. Lots of data out there to support my claim. Are you a willing test rat in the aerosol poisoning of the Global atmosphere?

Ricardo Villa
Ricardo Villa
5 years ago

Appalling that the government and environmentalists wield such power. They don't have the scientific empirical evidence to back up their draconican rules but don't need it because most people don't have time to do the research and find this out. Their rules are designed to steer more and more of us into public transportation or bicycles -- needlessly and with real impact on both the economy and a person's well being. Excellent documentary that shows where the environmentalists in the U.S. would like to take us.

Paul
Paul
5 years ago

Those ***holes. Those people bought those cars legally. And guess what? That emissions bullshit is just that.

b fearn
b fearn
5 years ago

The big car companies in German still do not understand that they can make emission free cars and have been able to do so for years. They simply prefer to put their profits before the people and the planet.