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Green Issues

A weekly column on current issues by John A Burton of the World Land Trust. The views expressed are personal, and do not necessarily reflect those of the WLT. Feedback and comments are welcomed.

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Oil Price hike great for conservation?

Monday, June 23, 2008

With world leaders trying to bring down the price of oil, one thing seems to have been overlooked. The dramatic rise is probably the best thing that could have happened for the planet.

It is surely the swiftest way of curtailing the profligate use of energy. And in any case the high price of petrol is not actually related to the high price of a barrel of oil (at least in the UK,) it is largely related to the tax that is placed on it. It seems bizarre that the UK and other governments are trying to get everyone to reduce their dependence on a carbon economy, to reduce emissions, but as soon as a simple way of doing it comes along they cry "Foul." Not only does a hike in oil prices reduce demand for petrol etc, it will undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on a whole range of consumer products. So all in all, surely for the sake of the future of the planet, we should be welcoming a dramatic rise in oil prices, and hope for further increases. Or have I got something wrong?

Labels: Climate Change and Carbon, Energy and Renewable Energy Resources

Posted by John Monday, June 23, 2008
 
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3 Comments:

No - you've got nothing wrong.

All it does go to show, when push comes to shove, despite all the green-wash rhetoric, is how capitalism is hopelessly addicted to oil and cheap energy; and governments know which side their cookies are buttered.

The environment??!! Of course we LOVE the environment!!! Just so long as business can trundle along as usual.

By  Dominic, at 23 June, 2008 16:35  

It may be good for the environment to have high fuel prices. But while all cars, even the totally pointless Prius (which is a con to the environmental idiots) run on Petrol then were all stuffed. Public transport does not work for many people. Had California not even up on the Electric car over 10 years ago. I bet we would all be driving then now.

By  Anonymous, at 23 June, 2008 21:41  

Must be careful though, as it gets complicated. Bush administration is making a last gasp effort to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other long-protected coastal and wilderness areas to new drilling. They are banging the old hollow drum, but using the high cost of oil as new desperate leverage. Sadly, it's gaining traction, and if it works, other nations, spurred by the oil lobby, will try to follow. NY Times had a good analysis recently: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/washington/19energy.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&fta=y&adxnnlx=1214654954-71gLuSY2rBrMmzG/CbjGhw

By  Marko, at 28 June, 2008 14:31  

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