06/03/08 Gas Rationing

More and more people over the age of 70 will tell you that the economy is starting to resemble the depression era of the 1930's. And most of us under the age of 60 are well aware of the stories of food, steel and rubber rationing during the World War II years; therefore we really shouldn't be surprised when the suggestion of gas rationing is brought to the table. The conservative party in the UK is seriously considering carbon rationing, stating that "a personal carbon allowance is the best way to cut CO2 without hurting the poor". But would this really be an answer or just another bandage on an already gaping wound, and in effect create some serious societal issues of its own? Environment Minister, Hilary Benn, says "It's got potential but, in essence, it's ahead of its time." In reality I feel rationing is a step backwards; been there, done that. The solution to the world's fuel crisis remains in creating non-carbon based fuel alternatives. Let's continue to focus on discovering a cure, not just treating symptoms of the disease.