But I'm a bit skeptical about hydrogen (or really, any "alternative fuel") car technology. From what little research I've done, it seems to me that most of the energy savings come in the form of pushing the polluting part of the equation off to another part of the whole process. (Or worse, as in the case of corn oil, and so-called "biofuels.") So maybe the car itself doesn't pollute as much, but that's (almost) made up for by the extra pollution produced in some plant somewhere.
Now I'll admit that most of this applies to the various forms of electric cars, and not so much the hydrogen fuel-cell cars. And certainly I'm not claiming there's no saving — there undoubtedly is some.
However the hard facts still remain that it's energetically unsustainable for every person on the planet to have their own vehicle. It's maybe (just barely) feasible for everyone in the "first world" to do so... but that whole equation changes so much when India, China, South America, Africa, etc. get on the highway.
At the end of the day, I'm unconvinced that there is a solution short of wide-scale ride-sharing (i.e.: public transit) and people just using their own damn feet to get around.
Heh, moped. They used to be very popular in India but now that disposable incomes have risen within the middle class, many are switching to Vespa-type scooters (if you're a lass) and motorbikes or even a car (for the lads).
>From what little research I've done, maybe the car itself doesn't pollute as much, but that's (almost) made up for by... Very true.
Overall, you're quite right. I'll try not to worry about owning a vehicle just yet. I've got a while to think about it.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2009-01-20 02:24 am (UTC)I've toyed with the idea of a moped or something.
But I'm a bit skeptical about hydrogen (or really, any "alternative fuel") car technology. From what little research I've done, it seems to me that most of the energy savings come in the form of pushing the polluting part of the equation off to another part of the whole process. (Or worse, as in the case of corn oil, and so-called "biofuels.") So maybe the car itself doesn't pollute as much, but that's (almost) made up for by the extra pollution produced in some plant somewhere.
Now I'll admit that most of this applies to the various forms of electric cars, and not so much the hydrogen fuel-cell cars. And certainly I'm not claiming there's no saving — there undoubtedly is some.
However the hard facts still remain that it's energetically unsustainable for every person on the planet to have their own vehicle. It's maybe (just barely) feasible for everyone in the "first world" to do so... but that whole equation changes so much when India, China, South America, Africa, etc. get on the highway.
At the end of the day, I'm unconvinced that there is a solution short of wide-scale ride-sharing (i.e.: public transit) and people just using their own damn feet to get around.
no subject
Date: 2009-01-21 01:46 am (UTC)>From what little research I've done, maybe the car itself doesn't pollute as much, but that's (almost) made up for by...
Very true.
Overall, you're quite right. I'll try not to worry about owning a vehicle just yet. I've got a while to think about it.