Why Wait, Let’s do Something Now

In my scientific research experience, I have found that any new idea carries along with it a net burden of unforeseen consequences. Some good, some bad! Why should new and alternate sources of energy be any different? Bio-fuels are already causing a huge spike in the prices of corn, wind power turbines have been known to affect bird population as some flying creatures cannot see the turbines, solar energy is still struggling with scalability issues and large hydro power plants cause severe environmental damages. I am infinitely positive that we will overcome all these challenges in due course of time. However, even as we wait for these technologies to mature, there are things that we can do now to decrease our dependence on oil. What can be done to minimize the traffic congestion that we encounter during our everyday commute? Is it possible to eliminate traffic lights completely? How do we encourage people to use public transport more often? Now that we are in the digital age, can we institute more work from home options without affecting productivity levels? A good answer to each of these questions is probably a solution to reducing our dependence on foreign oil.