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Monthly Archives: April 2012

Easing Off the Gas

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 | Editor | No Comments

Original article by Tom Murphy, at Do the Math

Another great article from Tom Murphy’s brilliant blog, “Do the Math” where he uses critical quantitative thinking to approach our energy challenges and policies. Here he  discusses adaptations that will have an immediate impact on transportation and liquid fuels.

– Editor

“Again, I come to the conclusion that one thing we can do—totally under our own control—is to reduce our demand of liquid fuels faster than the naturally-imposed decline rate. And again, I look for factor-of-two level solutions, rather than piddly few-percent window-dressing. Let’s kick this problem in the teeth!”…

Continued at original site

Successful Young Americans Seen Drifting Away From Car Culture: Smart Phones Play A Role

Saturday, April 7th, 2012 | Editor | No Comments

Original Article by John Laumer, Treehugger

Note from Editor: This is another follow-up blog posting regarding the recent report from the Frontier Group and U.S. PIRG on Transportation and the New Generation. The interesting take here is on the role of smart phone technology that is ubiquitous and moves with today’s young people.

“As always, there’s more sex in the city, better restaurants, and a far better music and theater scene than can be found in any suburb. If you can no longer afford to fly to Tortugas for a vacation, life in the city is a reliable way to keep life interesting for the long haul – especially important once you decide TV sucks. This is a given.”

Full article at original site

Transportation and the New Generation: Why Young People Are Driving Less and What It Means for Transportation Policy

Thursday, April 5th, 2012 | Editor | No Comments

Original article by Benjamin Davis and Tony Dutzik, Frontier Group; Phineas Baxandall, U.S. PIRG Education Fund

“America has long created transportation policy under the assumption that driving will continue to increase at a rapid and steady rate. The changing transportation preferences of young people – and Americans overall – throw that assumption into doubt. Policy-makers and the public need to be aware that America’s current transportation policy – dominated by road building – is fundamentally out-of-step with the transportation patterns and expressed preferences of growing numbers of Americans. It is time for policy-makers to consider the implication of changes in driving habits for the nation’s transportation infrastructure decisions and funding practices, and consider a new vision for transportation policy that reflects the needs of 21st century America.”

Continued at original site

From Brazil: Millennials Show Apathy Towards Cars

Thursday, April 5th, 2012 | Editor | No Comments

Original Article by Itir Sonuparlak, The City Fix

Young Brazilians Prefer Quality Public Transportation Too

These trends are not unique to the United States. Young people in Brazil are starting to display similar disinterest in cars. The research agency Box1824 surveyed thousands of millennials on their expectations for the future in a project called “The Brazilian Dream” and found that millennials show an enthusiasm and willingness to change, especially in the face of urban and social challenges.

Continued at original site