Gasoline at $8 per Gallon
June 15, 2008
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As much of the news in America focuses on the troubles of gasoline at $4 per gallon, it is worthwhile to look around the world and see the effects of high gas prices there as well, especially how it impacts one’s carbon footprint and global warming.
Gas prices in the UK, where gas is taxed more heavily, is the equivalent of about $8.50 per gallon, making the high prices of North America look like nothing. The good news coming from the UK is that, accord to the International Energy Agency, demand for gasoline in the UK has dropped 20% in the past year. If this trend were extended to other countries, especially the US, it would have a big impact on the fight against global warming, and on the size of everyone’s carbon footprint.
People in the UK have shown an excellent ability to adapt their lifestyle to reduce their gas consumption, and in turn their carbon footprint. Individuals are using all the classic ideas that are found on every environmental website, including the transportation section of this one, such as public transportation, carpooling, and walking/biking when possible.
Greens everywhere have been pushing these solutions for years, but with very little impact. Apparently it takes the economic incentive of high gas prices to actually change people’s behavior. A sad reality, but since that is the case we look forward to the day of gasoline at $8 per gallon in the US! Or better yet, when the demand for gasoline is so low thanks to new technologies that it is hard to find for more than $1 per gallon.
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