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From The Socialist newspaper, 30 September 2015
Pollution cheat volkswagen kills thousands for profit
Richard Worth
Volkswagen, the world's largest car maker, fraudulently fitted eleven million diesel engines with "defeat devices" to rig pollution tests.
This has caused nearly one million tonnes of lethal air pollution a year. That's equal to the UK's combined emissions for all power stations, vehicles, agriculture and industry.
It has taken seven years to be "discovered". But government scientists in Britain have been warning of illegal levels of toxic gases since at least 2011. And European Union (EU) regulators knew about rigging as early as 2013 - but failed to act.
Also, campaign network Trans-port and Environment says it goes further than Volkswagen. Nine out of ten cars from every major manufacturer breached EU pollution limits when tested in real-world conditions.
Environment charity Greenpeace has uncovered that diesel carmakers employed 184 European lobbyists, costing £14 million. Does this explain it?
The scandal has caused a 30% nosedive in Volkswagen's share value. But the real cost is to us.
The pollutants spewed out by these cars have caused serious health conditions. Inflammation of the lungs, leading to asthma and bronchitis. An increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. And possibly memory loss and dementia.
Unfiltered 'particulate matter' also causes cancer. Exposure to air pollution hastens death - with 9,500 premature deaths annually in Europe's most polluted city, London.
Deaths
The government estimates the combined impact of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter is equivalent to 52,500 deaths a year in Britain.
Capitalists will do anything for profit. They can't be trusted to care for our health or environment. Poisons that should have been filtered by their engines are being filtered by our lungs instead.
The Socialist Party campaigns for public ownership of car makers and transport systems - under the democratic control of workers and the public. That could guarantee accountable, green, integrated and affordable transport for all.
This is not a drill
Oil and gas company Shell has called off potentially catastrophic Arctic drilling!
Has the petroleum giant had some miracle conversion? Has it abandoned its evil-genius-style plans for Armageddon?
Not quite. The firm says its decision was based instead on "disappointing" levels of fossil fuel in Alaskan oil wells.
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In The Socialist 30 September 2015:
Socialist Party news and analysis
TUSC: Central in the battle for a working class anti-austerity voice
Free school meals cut as poor children go hungry
Pollution cheat Volkswagen kills thousands for profit
Gouging boss demands price hike for life-saving drug
Gravy-train Labour MP claims expenses to rent house next door
Tower block residents defend homes
Socialist Party features
How can we bring down the Tories?
Lessons from the past: Liverpool City Council 1983-87
Give us the resources to defeat the Tories
Subscribe to a paper by workers, for workers
International socialist news and analysis
EU ministers squabble while refugees drown
Hungary's xenophobic right-wing government
USA: Socialists breaking 'political stagnation'
Kazakhstan: workers solidarity action
Workplace news and analysis
Junior doctors fight government attacks
Nominate Roger Bannister for Unison general secretary
Hypocritical attacks on tube control room strike
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Anger and protest against fire service cuts in Leicestershire
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