Our World

America's Love For Their Cars!

Is it the end of the road for the car? In chapter 3 (pg.55) we learned how the changes in transportation shaped the evolution of cities in the U.S. Also mentioned was the fact that the automobile led to growth in the suburbs and countrysides. In an article posted Sept. 22nd it stated: "The 20th century belonged to the motor car. Towns and cities were reconfigured to accomodate the needs of the growing army of motorists, spawning suburban sprawl, commuter belt and drive-thru Dunkin' Donuts."

This article focused on California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's move to sue six automakers which include General Motors, Toyota and Ford. Again concerns focus on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and global warming. Some question, if this issue, along with rising oil prices and the fact the car is the most dangerous means of transportation, will mean an end of the road for cars. I personally don't think that the end is near for cars, but as stated in the article, I know tanks will probably be filled with Hydrogen instead of gasoline.

I find it interesting that Brazil has 77% of their vehicles running on ethanol made from sugarcane. Ironically in chapter 4 it states how Brazil was the site of the 1992 Earth Summit and that enviromental groups are trying to protest forests and grasslands.

Hilton Holloway, an Associate Editor of Autocar, stated that you must grow a lot of plant life to make it. Having grandparents who farm and just knowing that many farmers are struggling to make it on family farms, I think it will be great to see what other plants can be used as as biofuels especially if land is available. This could provide a boost to rural America. I also found this article interesting because it stated that making auotmobiles may have peaked in the U.S. and western Europe, but China and India will be the next biggest automaking markets.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/09/22/tbr.cars/index.html

posted by Anonymous @ 10/05/2006 08:34:00 PM