Story Proposals

During class Tuesday, we discussed several story ideas regarding the environment. Here are my ideas.


Proposal 1: Mopeds
My wife and I recently bought a moped, effectively reducing our fuel consumption from about five gallons per week to less than one. I have also noticed an increase in the amount of mopeds around town.

I would like to know if there is an actual increase in moped sales and why. I would want to find sales numbers to start with, then compare and contrast them with car sales numbers. I would also need to find moped owners, sales people, and any others that could provide insight as to what this means to global climate change.

Here are some similar stories recently published. Most seem to focus on the economic and financial benefits, and less so on the environmental impact.

Scooter business is fuel driven
The rise of scooters and mopeds

My Opinion as of September 2, 2008

I believe my actions and the actions of other humans affect the world's climate and weather patterns. I do not know the exact consequences of those actions, but time will tell.

I understand there is a natural cycle to weather patterns on this planet, but these patterns cannot predict the future. I believe the climate is changing, and always will. I believe energy overhaul is a necessity, and alternate sources would accomplis that goal.

I wonder what the rest of the world thinks. I know many other countries produce large amounts of greenhouse gasses, and I wonder - what are their policies? Is this sudden attention to climate change an American cultural issue, or is it a concern to other people around the globe?