What We Are Reading
Focusing on GDP presents an enticing distraction from the associated ecological harm. Jack Santa Barbara argues that ignoring the corresponding decline in energy is a recipe for economic and social catastrophe.
MRP™ views:
By implication, as energy output wanes, the world will be forced to lower energy transportation. That is good news for micromobility. The author does not mention it, but the challenge for humankind is getting from Level 1 of energy states to Level 2 on the Kardashev Scale. By using too much energy to generate more energy we are in fact limiting our progress to elevate ourselves into Level 2. If we don’t work this out soon, we will be condemned to remain inside Level 1 while depleting and degrading our ability to ever aspire to Level 2. Nuclear fusion may have an answer if it ever deploys at operational scale. In the meantime we have to find a way to change the narrative of the past century, which is that increasing GDP ad infinitum is possible, driven by supposedly boundless fossil fuels, without accounting for externalities. And in parallel, use available energy much more efficiently, as micromobility transportation is able to achieve.
Consumers say yes, the numbers add up, the industry is largely on board and Labor has no policy hang-ups. This week could be the turning point.
MRP™ views:
It is positive to see a gradual change in perspectives on EV in Australia (and New Zealand). However, there are a few potential issues in fixating on EV’s as our transport solution. For one, EV still use braking systems that would emit PM 2.5, which is established to cause millions of deaths and illnesses globally. Some research notes it may be that PM 2.5 emissions are substantially greater due to the heavier weights of EV, especially if larger EV are introduced, which appears to be a trend. The replacement of ICE by EV will also still carry a significant LCA impact, and perversely does not reduce the over reliance on auto centricity, which is a major potential barrier to any significant increase in active and MM trips (and a more substantial reduction of carbon emissions from transport.
Rebecca Clements from the School of Architecture, Design, and Planning explores the contrasts between Japan and Australia when it comes to letting children travel safely around their neighborhoods on their own.
MRP™ views:
I still remember I was sent out on similar errands to go and buy potatoes at a local shopping centre in Holland, around 1972. It entailed crossing some major roads. My parents, as most other parents, never thought it was an issue. Road rules were well explained and inculcated, and soon I was on a bicycle roaming around town as well, with my friends. This article provides some interesting policy thoughts and insights, including an offroad parking policy that was introduced in Japan in the 1960’s. “The road much less travelled in Japan” comes to mind.
The climate emergency is the biggest threat to civilization we have ever faced. But there is good news: we already have every tool we need to beat it. The challenge is not identifying the solutions, but rolling them out with great speed.
MRP™ views:
MRP™ is pleased to note that Micromobility is listed as one of the technology solutions to reduce the significant transport emissions globally.
More than half of human diseases caused by pathogens have been aggravated by hazards associated with climate change, a study finds.
Read More