The Observer, March 7, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 20
Global Scorning: Decline in gas consumption is impressive
Gasoline prices have been progressively increasing for the past six years. After years of riding the rollercoaster, America is finally responding with a decline in gas consumption – an average of 1.1 percent from year-earlier levels.
Until now, Americans have not been phased by the over $3 per gallon price, so I was quite shocked by the reported decrease in consumption. Growing up in Los Angeles, one of the most congested and car-dependent cities in the nation, I had already come to terms with America's stubbornness against change concerning their gas usage and driving habits. What was even more surprising was that this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that a change in America's lifestyle and attitude toward gasoline might have initiated this showdown with oil. After six years of minimal lifestyle changes that did not include weaning off gasoline, this lifestyle and attitude change is very impressive and commendable.
The Wall Street Journal attributes America's attitude change to the destructive combination of an economic downturn and the booming oil prices, not to a newfound concern for CO2 emissions or for nonrenewable resources. But the important part is that it has finally occurred and appropriate changes can now be made. According to The Wall Street Journal, our diminishing economy is intensifying the effects of high gasoline prices while Americans are simultaneously dealing with inflation. If this decrease in consumption of gasoline continues, the effects on the economy can be very significant.
Change should be embraced. Though the circumstances may initially be painful for the economy, it is a positive move for America to accept that gasoline is unreliable and will not be available as an energy source forever. Americans have already adjusted to change through an acceptance of new modes of transportation such as public transportation and biking. Additionally, car dealers are selling less SUVs and minivans, while smaller cars and hybrids are showing an increase in sales, according to Autodata Corp.Some Americans have even decided to live closer to their work, giving up the suburban life for a shorter commute. Developers are starting to design neighborhoods closer to public transportation and city centers.
This alteration of America's attitude and lifestyle toward gasoline is most prominent and commendable because of the long-term aspect of the lifestyle changes. Choosing to buy a home closer to work, or purchasing a smaller, more fuel-efficient car, indicates a lasting decrease in consumption of gasoline, not just during this current peak of the gasoline-price rollercoaster ride. And though right now the prices and economic difficulties are responsible for the alteration in America's lifestyle, ultimately it will be the pollution and non-renewable aspects of gasoline that will perpetuate and lock down this long-awaited transformation.
