Pumped Up Prices . . .

I recall my parents becoming agitated back in the early 70s when gasoline prices jumped from 35 cents a gallon to 50 cents a gallon. At the time, a new trend emerged withing our highly adaptable nation - smaller cars, which in turn created long-term reduction in oil usage; as demand for oil dropped, so did oil prices. An overall effect of reduction of oil usage was a national reduction in carbon emissions. With our gasoline now at $4.00 a gallon, I'm seeing smaller cars, lots of mopeds, scooters, and electric bikes of all sorts zipping around my town of Chapel Hill. At a family Memorial Day picnic last week, there was also much conversation about ways to reduce fuel usage. $4.00 for a gallon of gasoline? That's horrible! Wait . . . or is it?

The Society of Environmental Journalist presents "Pumped Up Prices: Can We Combat Climate Change by Raising the Cost of Energy?" at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on June 20, 2008. A panel of experts and journalists will explore carbon financing and how the issue is being presented and debated. This event is open to everyone. Attendance is free but space is limited so RSVP is required. You'll find a list of panelists, registration and directions here. (Moped shown from madeinchina.com).