Via Andrew Sullivan, this interactive map reminds us of how inexpensive gasoline is in the United States relative to most other rich countries.
I have my issues with the European economic and social model, but this data is a useful reminder that high gas prices need not lead to a collapse in the standard of living, given reasonably forward-thinking policy on transportation and energy.
On the other hand, note that roads in Europe can be quite congested, so it’s also spurious to suggest that our highways will become overgrown with weeds even if gas were to hit $10 or so. Instead, we’ll see subtle shifts in housing patterns, more fuel-efficient cars, and more reliance on transit. If governments do the right thing and respond to these changes in demand, we’ll have a pretty smooth transition. If not, a large number of us won’t be enabled to make the sensible decision, and will be crushed by high housing and transportation prices. What’s more, these policy choices are made at federal, state, and local levels, so there are all kinds of things individual citizen activists can do to steer things in the right direction, such as fighting highly vocal opponents of transit and high-density development.
Image from progressiveexchange.com.
Oh, I’m a big fan of European social democracies…especially the Employee Councils that have been in effect for 60 years. And looking around at our crumbling infrastructure, we could definitely use it!
I lived in Italy for 2 years about 20 years ago. Even then gas was more expensive. It was will be a bigger challange for us develop that transit infrastructure. In Itally, most people live in appartments so the density already exists for TOD. In addition, the US is so much bigger then Europe. I mean that urban areas in the US are more spread out then in Europe. It will take a long time to change that Americna mindset of cars and no transit. Time and alot of pain at the gas station.
While true for the USA as a whole, it is not true for the more populated areas. For example, Seattle to Portland (180 mi) or San Francisco (800 mi) is comparable to Paris to Marseilles (410 mi / 660 km) or Berlin (650 mi / 1050 km). Those routes have high-speed rail that provide a compelling alternative to flying or driving.
I recognize Shawn’s concern for those in the United States that have enjoyed the freeway lifestyle for the past 50 years.
I believe this change will be like any change — painful for those who resist and try to hang on to the freeway lifestyle and simple for those who embrace it. In the United States, people choose where they live and employers choose where to employ.
Eventually, people will choose the way that works best, which will be the path of least resistance. The only question is one of social cost and time.
I’m so glad you’ve brought this up! I’ve visited my relatives in Germany almost yearly for the last 10 years. I just got back a week ago from this year’s trip. I think gas prices when converted to dollars per gallon, were something on the order of $8-$10. No one blinks an eye at it there, but they are much more resourceful with their driving like getting things done in one trip at one destination. My grandparents 75 and 80 years old have never in their life had a car or drivers license. My grandma frequently says the only thing she knows about a car is that it has 4 wheels. Her and my grandfather commuted by bus or foot to work in the post war years and continued to do so until their retirement in the 1980s and 1990s. They even raised 3 boys with no car and took yearly family vacations by train and bus. I sincerely hope this mentality comes here some day… cars have their place and convenience, but they aren’t the final solution by any means.