Defeatism. If it’s up to people like you, cars would not have catalytic converters, there would be no impetus to use less energy or energy efficiency altogether. Remember, (fossil) energy not used = gasses not emitted. Just put a hefty price tag on polluting, and people will look for cleaner alternatives, become less wasteful, and will actually save money. There's a whole new and greener economy to win and that can be built on being less harmful to our living environment, which is also a form of destroying capital.