How would the world look like? Would we have a war in Iraq? Would we have a better climate? Would we have less terrorism? Would the US economy be in a better shape?

Chris Pummer, from MarketWatch, says that the increased gas prices in USA should be celebrated.

“Americans should be celebrating rather than shuddering over the arrival of $4-a-gallon gasoline. We lived on cheap gas too long, failed to innovate and now face the consequences of competing for a finite resource amid fast-expanding global demand.”

He also believes that $8-a-gallon gas would do the USA, and the rest of the world good.

“A further price rise as in Europe to $8 a gallon – or $200 and more to fill a large SUV’s tank – would be a catalyst for economic, political and social change of profound national and global impact. We could face an economic squeeze, but it would be the pain before the gain.”

But let’s get back to the question I asked first. How would the world look like if USA had similar gas prices as those in Europe?

Well, besides the war in Iraq and terrorism, we don’t really have to wait to see how the world could look like. We can see it already.

SUVs and other gas-guzzling cars have dropped enormous in sales, as well as in value, lately. It’s like they have been put on the endangered species list.

“If gas prices stay where they are at or continue to rise, the body-on frame SUV is an endangered species and the pickup truck as a personal car is an endangered species.”

“When they find out what you think their truck is worth, they think you’re trying to rip them off or something. Small cars are gone within a week; SUVs are sitting here since last summer.”

Americans are already now leaving their cars at home in favour of public transportation or car-pools.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently released their March 2008 report and it shows a massive decline in driving. In contrast to the trend the past 25 years the 4.4% drop sure says a lot.

“2008 marks the first time since 1979 that there has been a drop in miles travelled in over the month of March. This drop corresponds to 11 billion less miles traveled, according to FHWA. Over the first quarter of 2008, greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector have also dropped 9 million metric tons compared to past years, something that no amount of political posturing has yet to accomplish.”

Let’s hope that the gas prices keeps increasing but also that our politicians helps to ease the pain that comes “before the gain” with smart and long lasted solutions (and not short-sighted and stupid ones).

Image credit: Futureatlas.com. Image licensed under a
Creative-Commons Attribution license.

As a person and consumer you have the power to do something about climate change. Never forget or think otherwise. Sure you may wonder how much you’ll actually help by replacing your CFLs, recycling etc but in the end all small things path up to something bigger and more meaningful, especially when many join in.

This is part two of a series of posts explaining and giving advice on what you can do to combat climate change from your home, in the store, when you travel and on your spare time. All the things listed are easy to do, some things will take a little longer, but most of them will help save you money (besides all the positive effects on our earth).

Going somewhere?

Ditch the car
Leave your gas-guzzling car home. Instead you should take the bike, walk or use public transport on your way to work. If you choose the bike or the walk option you won’t need to buy an expensive gym card. If you choose public transportation you can spend the time (when someone else is doing the work driving) by doing something useful, like your homework’s, reading a book or just take a quick nap.

Sharing is Caring!
If you have to use your car use a car pool instead. Don’t forget to change driver now and then so no one feels bad. Think about all the new friends you will make and all neighbours you will “finally” get to know better.

A car won’t make anything bigger (except your CO2 emissions)
If you rarely use a car don’t buy one. Rent a car when you need one instead. If you must have a car buy a “green” car that is smaller and uses less fuel.

Eco-Drive it
Maybe a course in eco-driving could be something for you? When possible try to lower your speed and try to drive as smoothly as possible.

Shut it off and feel all warm inside…
Shut off your air conditioner when you don’t need it. You will save fuel and your car will be much faster if it’s turned off.

Wash it rarely and properly
Is your car really that dirty? An ordinary carwash releases about 400 litres of water polluted with all kinds of bad things.

Just say NO
Avoid taking the plane, anywhere, especially when you are only going to travel nationally. Instead you should take the train, boat or even the car before you think of taking the plane.

Image credit: Jeff Kubina. Image licensed under a
Creative-Commons Attribution-Share Alike license.