What is the difference between the Smog and Global Warming Scores? Is one more important than the other?
The short answer is that they are caused by different pollutants, and have different effects on the environment. But, both types of emissions are equally important to reduce. The Smog Score corresponds to the amount of smog-forming emissions from a car. These emissions consist of Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and cause more localized, immediate pollution and cause respiratory health problems, can inhibit plant growth and can cause damage to crops and forests. Whereas, the Global Warming Score is associated with the amount of greenhouse gas emissions or carbon dioxide equivalent released for a car. Greenhouse gas emissions are the chief contributors to global warming, causing a more collective disruption of climate stability, such as warmer oceans, greater temperature extremes, and altered wind patterns. When choosing a new car and comparing Smog and Global Warming Scores, it’s a good idea to take both into consideration. Comparing vehicles with a combine
