Plan B 4.0

1. "Beyond this, the owners of the world’s 910 million automobiles want to maintain their mobility, and most are not particularly concerned about whether their fuel comes from an oil well or a corn field." 

-Pg. 5. 

When reading this sentence I started to think about how much fuel I use and how I obtain my fuel. I will not lie that I also play a part into the consumption of gasoline. I believe it is absurd to think that we are not greedy when it comes to gasoline. As soon as prices rise we complain, but when prices are lowered we are happy not realizing that we consume more than necessary. We essentially drive ourselves into the increase in prices because we consume more than necessary allowing fuel to become scarce. Fuel becoming scarce is the reason why price is increased. From this being said, my family is from Hidalgo, Mexico. In Hidalgo, there are not many cars and many people either travel on foot or take a bus. Therefore, fuel efficiency is performed there. As a Mexican-American, I grew up with automobiles all around me and people constantly talking about fuel pricing. Comparing both of these lives, it brings a realization of how unnecessary it is to have automobiles or one should have fuel efficient cars or take the bus. The life style in Mexico shows that one can survive without a car, especially since this population lives in the middle of no where and the people have to climb mountain ranges. I'm not saying we should climb mountains or that we live in the same way, but we should consider fuel efficient tasks. This includes, walking to a location that is near by or even using a fuel efficient car or taking the bus.

http://verdavivo.wordpress.com/category/transportation/

2. "In Mexico—home to a population of 109 million that is projected to reach 129 million by 2050—the demand for water is outstripping supply." -Pg. 41.

The thought of Mexico's high population is a frighting thought. This means more people need water in order to survive. As a result more aquifers will be demanded. I had the opportunity to see changes in Mexico city and it amazes me of how many homes are built each time. In Mexico City it is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Having the ability to see how many homes keep filling these mountains to the top is astonishing. This means that the population is increasing faster than expected. Therefore, this increases the demand for food and water. It frightens me, because there will be a point where there is not enough food let alone water. Then what will we do if this happens or is there anything that can be done? Therefore, I think Mexico should try to find ways to maintain their population, as well as other countries.

Taken by: Brianda Martinez

Mexico City, Mexico 2011

Mexico City, Mexico 2013

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2401975/Amazing-aerial-photos-Mexico-City-natural-boundaries-stand-way.html

"Mounting population densities, once generated solely by population growth, are now also fueled by the relentless advance of deserts and may soon be affected by the projected rise in sea level." -Pg 51.

When I read this sentence, I thought about an article that I had read in a science magazine. It informed one about the increase in water levels and how the top cities in the United States would be below water. I remember the cities mentioned were Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. As I read through the article it mentioned that due to great effects of the climate it would change our ecosystems dramatically regardless of our clean up now. Therefore, this quote allowed me to think about how we need to act now to contain some damages. If we control population densities or at least change certain ways of life we would be able to contain some of the damages for our future generations. If we keep doing what we are doing, our next generations are the ones who will be in trouble. However, the thought of the most beautiful places in the world will be under water because we have fueled these catastrophes is a guilty feeling. Knowing that I played a role into this allows me to be motivated to change certain things that I do. 

http://www.jlconline.com/climate-change/miami-ponders-its-future-on-the-edge-of-a-higher-sea_o.aspx