Chasing in the Future

Sam Barricklow

Sam Barricklow

EF1
Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
87
Location
Garland, TX
Copenhagen Treaty, the coming bureaucrat created EPA CO2 rules, peak (declining) oil - in 20 to 50 years will anyone be able to afford to chase? And will the creation of CO2 to chase be deemed unacceptable within the new social order?

We may have unknowingly lived through the "Golden Age of Storm Chasing", among other things.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubbert_peak_theory

http://peakoildebunked.blogspot.com/

Copenhagen treaty draft sets a CO2 emission reduction of 80% by 2050 FOR US. How will you personally reduce your CO2 emissions by 80%? Electric cars?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/08/copenhagen-climate-summit-disarray-danish-text

NNNN
 
I think the fine print on that law states something to the effect of: "...if it's convenient."
 
I think Shane put it pretty well. But, sidestepping the political meme and going right to the question....

Cutting CO2 emissions by 80% is altogether achievable with currently foreseeable technology if most electric power is generated from non-GHG producing sources, and if most transport is powered from that electricity -- either directly or through the H2 cycle. Right now, getting there by 2050 looks too expensive, but don't underestimate technological innovation. Who (of us) thought twenty years ago that wind power at the source would be competitive with fossil-fuel generated power? If someone figures out a way to efficiently and safely convey hydrogen in a compact form, then we're most of the way there.

Now I haven't been following the Copenhagen numbers game very closely. But I think the 80% being thrown around isn't 80% reduction from current production. I think it's 80% from where we'd be then, given current growth rates. It's more like 40% (or less) from current production.

Chasing is a lot more expensive than it was just a few years ago. That hasn't decimated chasing so far, from what I see. I'm not a believer in a Peak Chasing Theory.
 
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I think we'll all adapt and drive electric, hybrid, hydrogen or whatever turns out to be the favored types of autos. I don't see much that could keep people who want to chase to get out there and do their passion.
 
I already should be good to go. Here is my new chase vehicle for 2010 (I need to put a mesonet on it yet).

funny-car-pictures-26.jpg


Oh wait, cattle produces more CO2 then automobiles. Blast you Copenhagen Treaty!!!

Sorry I couldn't help myself. On a serious note, I agree that chasers (and people in general) will adapt...at least I 'hope' so but I guess only time will tell.
 
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An important thing to remember here is not that gasoline will run out in 20-50 years, but more so, the date and time when the world finally realizes gasoline's demise as a motor vehicle fuel is upon us.

This could occur at any moment, given geopolitical facts; for example, India and China are consuming fossil fuels at an alarming rate (without any adherence to environmental issues). And, when Israel attacks Iran. You also have to factor in the greed element as commercial fuel interests raise prices. (As they have done before).

What this means is that prices will soar long before the actual shortages occur. I'm guessing the days of $2.79 per gallon are limited, and the $4-$6 range is not far away, on a permanent basis.

I think public transportation, car pooling, conservative driving and electric/hydrogen cells will eventually fill in the gaps. I really don't see an issue except for us foreigners who live in Arizona and have to drive 12 hours to get some action!

W.
 
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I once intercepted a kickbutt thunderstorm with frequent C-G's and nickel hail - - by subway in the Boston area..

Imagine taking a bullet train to a mod risk area, rending a sub compact car and spending the day playing, then taking the train back... It's all possible!!
 
Stephen Levine said:
I once intercepted a kickbutt thunderstorm with frequent C-G's and nickel hail - - by subway in the Boston area..

Imagine taking a bullet train to a mod risk area, rending a sub compact car and spending the day playing, then taking the train back... It's all possible!!
Click to expand...

I strongly considered taking at least one river ferry when I was chasing north of Saint Louis last spring :-)
 
If Ben Franklin could study and follow waterspouts via true horsepower I feel confident that we too will adapt when the oil runs out.
 
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