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Trev,
I too am impressed by the simple and effective IC engine, but just as killing our enemies is a simple and effective solution, it (to me) is not usually the right one...
alternatives to IC engines include:
- Electric cars (probably battery powered) - this would require substantial efforts in the area of battery recycling. There are individuals who have converted they're cars, and get about 100 miles off one charge, costing 90 cents. But batteries have to be replaced every so often, and are expensive. Fuel cells form water vapour, which would be ok if the hydrogen and oxygen were derived from water in the first place.
- Better public transport systems. Whilst I gripe about rising car costs, idealy it would be better to give people a push towards other means of transport.
- Social change. At one point, i was cycling the 20 miles to uni, and getting there faster than by car. That stopped when the weather went cold, and my bags kept on breaking. If we give ourselves more time, more options are available.
- And then there's locality - trying to deal only with places close to where we work or live helps, but this is a hard issue.
Whatever happens, any steps toward sustainability will require shifts in our way of life. We can't expect to (initially) have no hardship and still achieve our goals.
As for freedom from our mortal shells, I am all for enlightenment, but that on mass would be even more unlikely than sustainable transport...
Julian
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