For all those climate change activists celebrating (rightfully, in our view) the steep gas price increase as a means of forcing U.S. drivers to stop guzzling fossil fuels, here’s more good news: As the Climate Progress blog notes, Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer miles, or 3.6 percent less, in July 2008 than July 2007, putting 2008 on track to hit the largest dip in vehicle-driven miles since 1983. Which, from a glass-half-full perspective, means that all those potential fuel emissions are staying out of the air … or, from a glass-half-empty view, that we’re careening towards the end of civilization as we know it. Which in and of itself would probably be good for the Earth—if not so good for us.
Image: iStockphoto
October 8th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Sarcasm, needs more.
October 8th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
there is a bigger picture because its not just fewer miles being driven, or less gas consumption.
Its that trucks are being taken off the road for more efficient rail
Its that SUVs, Vans and Trucks are being taken off the road for cars
Its that cars are transitioning to high mpg cars
EVERYONE IS POOPING THEIR PANTS TO TRY TO CUT THEIR LIVING EXPENSES TO THE BARE MINIMUM, PAYING OFF DEBT AND BUILDING SAVINGS IF POSSIBLE.
THIS TRANSITION IN TRANSPORTATION WASNT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN FOR 10-25 YEARS AND ITS NOW HAPPENING IN 1 YEAR.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Why are they happy about the gas price increases? I understand that overall, it’s good for the environment, but are they really that uncaring about the people whom this is really hurting?
October 10th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I meant to say “Why are they celebrating…”