Welcome to my post - it is presently carbon free! Like most things in life, it is a work on a journey to completion - so come back soon to see where we go to next!
With the tremendous emphasis on personal carbon footprints it occurred to me that we seem to be missing the point somewhat.
Consider these issues:
1. The car is blamed for the greatest contribution to global warming.
2. Air travel is accused of being a major culprit in carbon emissions.
3. Personal responsibility is placed on the shoulders of those who can be got to.
OK, lets go play in the traffic.
The current finger pointing at 4X4 vehicles is a case in point. It would seem to be a convenient way of removing what others feel are a threat to their life - let's hope they have one, and can read a bit more.
Reality: Many large family saloons, for example, use more fuel than a 4X4. Many high performance cars also are culprits. So, the real issue, dare I say so, is that of useage.
Suggestion: Instead of just using the finger to point out a select identity of vehicle, why not have the annual licensing also record the miles travelled in each vehicle, and a tax based on estimated carbon emissions levied. This could be played with a bit to exempt the very efficient, but the heavier mileage/total energy burned users could well be paying a more realistic contribution towards any carbon tax.
Of course, no-one has cited the road transport, or industry groups, maybe because they are good lobbyists!
Air travel: Well, what are the alternatives? Travel by car? Bit difficult in terms of time let alone crossing the oceans of the world. More efficient engine designs would help, but then again, are we really going to not travel for business or holiday/family reasons. Hot air balloon, anyone? Mule train would be a bit retro, and the methane expelled would be counterproductive!
So, what do we do when rampant industrialisation, for example in China, has little or no curbs regarding carbon emissions. Well, we still have choices. One solution I see is being able to continue to use my car, but ensure it is as fuel efficient as possible. Now if I have been able to purchase it for minimal cost it means I can buy as efficient as possible within my budget.
Sunday 29 July 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
