A few days ago, it was reported that carbon dioxide levels were measured in excess of 400 parts per million, an all-time high (or at least for the last 800,000 years. If you go back 3-5 million years it was about as high…). The measurement was taken at a location on Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, where the oldest station recording the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is located.
Another happy note (not) in the news was that, due to advances in oil extraction technology, we have not actually passed the peak of oil production. In other words, we aren’t running out of oil as fast as we once thought. Yes, the new oil reserves in North America are even creating a mini glut in the market, meaning the price of oil may come down a bit.
Guess which of these is good news?
It’s a trick question. In my opinion, both of these stories are bad news.
Many people considering the purchase of an electric vehicle are doing so to save money. As I’ve documented for months now, my experience with our two Volts is that they are MUCH more affordable to operate than even a paid off car running on gasoline. So much so, in fact, that it makes the monthly payment seem like that of a much less expensive car.
I’ve been focusing on the wrong thing (at least some of the time).
Our world is approaching a tipping point. I don’t know if anyone knows exactly where that point is, but the news from Hawaii is definitely disconcerting. The world 3-5 million years ago was much different. Much warmer. Higher sea level. No ice on Greenland. Not where we want to be heading if we own ocean-front property (like Manhattan, San Francisco or name your favorite Caribbean island).
If the price of oil comes down a bit, it could have an impact on EV sales, possibly dooming them for years to come. This happened to solar energy back in the 80’s when oil prices plummeted. I started my career in oil field manufacturing. I vividly remember oil’s crash in the early 80’s. After the OPEC embargoes of the late 70’s, easy to locate and inexpensive gas seemed like good times. Efficient cars became unmarketable and the behemoth American auto was again king of the road.
One difference was that we didn’t see where the Earth was heading as clearly as we see it today. We are better informed on the environmental changes occurring. Yes, there are climate change deniers. They say that this is just a normal change in global temperature that is not affected by the activities of us humans. The politicians who adhere to this, despite the mounting evidence are probably just representing their constituents, or at least their paying constituents. We all know money can change a politician’s opinion overnight. The only thing that seems to work as quickly is losing an election. However, that just seems to cause a lot of activity made to look like progress, while their real constituency continues to make sure nothing concrete is done.
In discussing your EV with friends considering getting one, definitely talk about how inexpensive they are to run. Most people are influenced by saving money. Just realize that the cost differential between EVs and ICEs may not stay as marked as it is today. Also tell them about the other reasons you have an EV. About the acceleration, the quietness, about getting out from under the thumb of despotic regimes that hate us, and of course, the environment.
There’s a saying that the difference between ignorance and stupidity is that ignorance can be fixed. Let’s hope mankind is just a tad ignorant…
**UPDATE**
The measurement of CO2 from Hawaii was overstated!!! Instead of going over 400 parts per million, it was only 399.89!!! Whew! That was close. We dodged a bullet that time! (Not)
