Reply #3: High price does have environmental benefits

[JPZenger]

Yes, I understand that many people and businesses are suffering with high oil prices. However, there is an environmental benefit.

One, it encourages people to live closer to their work, and promotes revitalization of older neighborhoods vs. building on open farm fields and mountainsides.

Two, it encourages people to buy more fuel efficient vehicles. Generally, the more fuel efficient a vehicle is, the less CO2 it will generate, which causes global climate change. Considering that tens of millions of people in low-lying Bangladesh may otherwise be underwater with no place to go, this is important.

Three, if makes it more cost-efficient to invest in solar power, wind power, fuel cells and other alternatives. It also makes it more cost-efficient for businesses and individuals to invest in insulation, more fuel efficient appliances and other energy conservation measures.

Four, it may spur China to avoid mistakes made by western countries of an overdependence on private cars, in favor of mass transit.

Considering that world production of oil has reached a long-term peak, and there are only a couple countries with any ability to increase production, and demand has been rapidly increasing worldwide, reduced demand would be a good thing. We need to reduce oil consumption before it becomes a crisis.