While the premise from the headline is ridiculous, considering the contribution to CO2 emissions caused by human metabolism is not.
Humans don’t have a good efficiency, compared to e.g. a electric motor.
Also, the “fuel” used by humans itself typically already comes with a gigantic CO2 burden.
That’s also the reason that biking without electric assistance is not quite as carbon neutral as most people believe.
Putting it this way: The primarily meat-based overconsumption prevalent in many western countries offers many opportunities to significantly reduce CO2.
While the premise from the headline is ridiculous, considering the contribution to CO2 emissions caused by human metabolism is not.
Humans don’t have a good efficiency, compared to e.g. a electric motor.
Also, the “fuel” used by humans itself typically already comes with a gigantic CO2 burden.
That’s also the reason that biking without electric assistance is not quite as carbon neutral as most people believe.
Putting it this way: The primarily meat-based overconsumption prevalent in many western countries offers many opportunities to significantly reduce CO2.
A single Big Mac can power a gaming PC for 2 hours, a Tesla for ~2.5 miles, or a moderately active human for 6 hours.
It could also take an e bike anywhere from 25-50 miles depending on the rider, terrain, and other factors.
I don’t know if I’d say we’re “inefficient”…but we also don’t carry around 1000lbs of batteries…even in America.