Global issues today

Is petrol/Gas too expensive?

As petrol prices continue to break record highs we can no longer ignore the problem of fading oil reserves. It stands to reason that oil prices will increase as global supplies diminish. We all knew the day would come, but in our fairytale minds we pictured postapocalysm ala Mad Max, and although our world is falling apart at the seams, no one is quite willing to admit that the time has actually come.

Why hide from truth when it's really not the end of the world? Many a Hollywood actor has been whipping around in an electric hybrid Honda or Toyota for years now, charging their metallic steeds in their garages and carports over night. These little whiz cars use petrol to get going or when a big hill gets in the way, then switch to electric power once the car is in motion, even recharging themselves on downhill slopes.

Research hybrid cars, here.

When I first heard of hybrid cars I also heard about hydrogen power, which was in its infancy at that point in time. I was thrilled to pieces by the concept of Hydrogen power, and vowed that at the very least the first car I bought would be an electric hybrid. I haven't bought a car yet.

Hydrogen power is still being developed, but there are hydrogen pumps scattered all around the world. I was surprised to find one in Perth, Australia. Not all the hydrogen outlets are in general retail locations. However, it does look like an emerging fuel source.

Find your nearest Hydrogen outlet, here.

Also promising is the upcoming release of Ethanol fuel cars. Ford are about to sell a former Gas-Guzzling pickup with a 3-way hybrid of Petrol, Hydrogen and Ethanol. The Car has 3 tanks, so depending on which fuel is cheaper at the time of refilling the driver can take their pick. I love, love LOVE the sound of this. While petrol remains the most readily available fuel, the driver may be restricted in choice at many Service stations, but as alternative fuels become the norm, petrol can be fazed out without any agony to the car owner. What an amazing piece of foresight on Ford's behalf.

Check out the Ford F-250 Super Chief, here.

I'm really thrilled about the future of the environment. Imagine a world of clean cars. Just imagine the air we breathe every day, the cities we live in. It's a huge leap and we're being forced to take it. Right now it's hell on our hip pockets, trying to scrape together the money just to get to work, but people need to stop whining about increased petrol prices and understand that it was inevitable, we all knew it would happen, and now it has. But don't worry so much, the technology exists and is already out there to get us out of so many of the messes we've found ourselves in.

Me? I'm feeling on top of the world!

posted by Eliza @ 11:22 am