Good Things From Rising Fuel Costs
In my own personal beliefs, I feel that the rising cost of oil and gasoline are driving the future of green technology. Many technologies such as the battery and solar and wind energy technologies have seen very few drastic improvements. Our best performing battery, the lithium ion, is expensive and not good enough for us to develop competitive electric vehicles (EV's) to our current gas powered automobiles. Wind energy only makes up 1% of all the energy produced in the United States and solar energy produces far less. What are the reason's? Expensive initial costs, and perhaps a resistance to change. Well the vision's that Barack Obama have for our future really inspire me and many like-minded young adults. But besides hope and besides vision, the market has created the perfect catalyst for green energy to boom. The future is green, as it is being forced down our throats at every aspect of our lives now.
Some positive things that I see happening because of rising fuel prices are:
1. Niche automakers are capitalizing on falling sales figures from low fuel economy vehicles like SUV's and trucks by making viable EV's like the Bug EV and Aptera which could eventually obliterate the current auto industry, in my opinion. Hybrids sales are still in high gear as well.
2. Rising fuel prices have caused an interest in the four-day work week to conserve gas, reduce congestion on the roads, and save the environment.
3. A re-kindling bicycle industry has spurred some people to ditch four wheels in favor of two. It is much cheaper to ride your bicycle to work, if possible, and it is great for your health.
4. Local food has seen an increasing interest because of the many miles most food has to travel to get to your grocery store. Farmers Market's are ever more popular and even Wal-Mart is trying to capitalize on people's interest in buying local to save the environment and to support localization.
5. Mass transit systems and public transportation projects are getting new funding to help alleviate fuel costs. A cool rent-a-bike program in Portland, Oregon is quite innovative. Los Angeles is looking at building a subway, as many American's are flocking to public transportation at rates not seen in decades.
PETA has come up with a list of 5 things they feel are positive in spite of the continuing rise of high fuel prices. They are:
1. Squid fishers suspended fishing for two days to protest rising fuel costs. Don't let any dopey people shrug their shoulders and think, "So what?" When you can, show them this mind-blowing video about squids' satin-smooth seduction moves.
2. Later this month, 230,000 Japanese fisherman will strike over fuel prices. Sushi lovers fear shortages of tuna sushi and sashimi, but vegan sushi is delicious and doesn't require that the seas be fished until they're devoid of all life. Win-win.
3. A rash of gas thefts across the nation might inspire reward money for nabbing criminals caught siphoning gas. Crime is bad. Reward money for catching criminals is good.
4. With airlines now charging for checked bags and soda, there's speculation that they might start charging by weight, which could inspire more people to go vegetarian.
5. And leave it to our friends in Boulder, Colorado, to strip down to the basics and wheel out the fun with a caravan of naked bicyclists. The cyclists' message? Depending too much on oil is nuts.
Thoughts, Comments, Questions...
8 COMMENTS, ADD YOURS HERE:
I completely agree! As frustrating as it is that the price of many products is going up, I think money is one of the only ways to motivate people to do more for the environment! It's finally sinking in!
Here in the UK I have noticed that people are driving slower. The speed limit is 70mph but in the past 80mph was the norm. Now I have seen lots of people dring under 70mph - saving fuel.
I think that all new cars should be fitted with a mpg indicator so that drivers can see the benefits of driving slower. For me 10 miles per hour slower equates to about 10 miles per gallon more! Here diesel is £1.30 about $2.60 a gallon
You are spot on there! Rising fuel prices are 'fueling' the rise of green technology, making people invest money, effort and R&D in new technology which they would not have done unless the fuel prices had reached levels that they have right now.
I think some of "benefits" listed are a bit of a stretch, but I agree in your basic premise. I've written recently on my own blog about the effects (or non-effects) of rising fuel costs in a small Japanese mountain village where I'm currently conducting field research.
I think it is great places like Wal-mart are jumping on the "green" bandwagon. I do my grocery shopping there and was really happy to see more organic and natural products. trouble is this, over the past few weeks I am not finding these same natural and organic products. Where have they gone? its VERY irritating.
I completely agree that rising fuel prices are helping bring attention to alternative energy. I noticed ethanol wasn't on your list. I know it's been getting a bad rap recently thanks to a campaign by OPEC, but the biofuels industry is starting to fight back. They recently placed an ad in the Financial Times in an attempt to inform readers of these lies. Check it out on Goodfuels.org
It is true that electric bikes have never generated this much interest or been considered this cool before. People are now even using them for their daily commute and realizing how doable it is.
I think you are entirely correct. I am very excited that the wolrd has taken such a large change with the oil problems. I am glad they are occuring because now, the grass may just get greener! thanks for your thoughts!
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