Asklemmy

You're already paying a car tax through income tax which goes to fund public roads that are predominantly worn out by private vehicles.

Unfortunately, a lot of economic growth historically has been tied to increased fossil fuel usage so until we can decouple the two through cleaner energy sources, the only way to maintain living standards in rich countries is the continued reliance on fossil fuels, plastics etc.

That is not to say that this is an issue that regular people need to address on an individual level but that the move toward a less poluted world involves a decreased dependence on poorer countries for the production of goods that exposes them to the majority of the health risks and harms associated with industrialization. This will most likely impact your way of life if you live in a rich country because you depend on these processes even if you're locally poor yourself.

There is a whole other discussion to be had about wealth inequality within countries and on a global scale and how neither you nor someone from a poor country should have to worry about being able to afford a dignified, healthy life.