tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post3916472025583144437..comments2024-03-10T08:13:34.023+02:00Comments on The Muqata: A Greener IsraelJameel @ The Muqatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15890095633246557332noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-7410109034903340092008-08-01T07:06:00.000+03:002008-08-01T07:06:00.000+03:00Thought about this post again today, while driving...Thought about this post again today, while driving in my very comfortable Honda pilot. I hate that SUVs emmissions are not the same as cars and that I am also contributing to global warming and air pollution problems. But a long time ago, while in college, a professor calmed my worries by saying you can't change it all - focus on a few and when you can, continue to do your part for the rest.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-56799161207004403572008-07-30T18:47:00.000+03:002008-07-30T18:47:00.000+03:00One thing to consider is that it's by no means ass...One thing to consider is that it's by no means assured that carbon dioxide is much of a problem at all. Everything is very much up for debate: from the sensitivity of the climate to CO2 to the presence of any warming (look at the <A HREF="http://wattsupwiththat.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/all-the-curves-that-are-fit-to-print/" REL="nofollow">satellite data</A> and see what you think). I'd recommend following Steve McIntyre's <A HREF="http://www.climateaudit.org/" REL="nofollow">Climate Audit</A> blog for a very sober analysis of all the issues.<BR/><BR/>The other thing is I'd be extremely wary of government incentives. The reason you can only just break even with solar has a lot to do with the state of the technology and its efficiency. Likewise with recycling: if no-one can make money at doing that's probably because it takes more resources than making new. Notice that aluminium recycling is economical because it is much easier to recycle than make new. With glass the opposite is true.<BR/><BR/>All these things can be left to the market to discover. Too often government incentives result in resources being wasted on things that take more energy and human effort than they save.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-78488718465673207562008-07-30T08:45:00.000+03:002008-07-30T08:45:00.000+03:00Nice surprise to see posts on this topic on the Mu...Nice surprise to see posts on this topic on the Muqata! <BR/><BR/>For more Cleantech/Green Israel discussions- check out this great blog: http://greenprophet.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-73031977349660051712008-07-30T07:08:00.000+03:002008-07-30T07:08:00.000+03:00I can relate to "A"'s feelings about the carbon-fo...I can relate to "A"'s feelings about the carbon-footprint issues that come with living in the 'burbs, especially since the lifestyle requires a car (not to mention the larger house, the cost to society of providing water / sewage pipes and electricity to outlying places, etc. etc.<BR/><BR/>In Israel this feeling of "taking" is in conflict with other feelings, of developing communities all over the land, and all of that.<BR/><BR/>Tough choices...<BR/><BR/>ALNThe Five + of Ushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14673803854699604232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-52493653117418472972008-07-30T01:46:00.000+03:002008-07-30T01:46:00.000+03:00At least environmental issues are now on the minds...At least environmental issues are now on the minds of Israelies. It's taken a long time for it to get to this point. Of course there is still so much to do, but hopefully advocates will be successful in changing the consumer habits and the mindset of the public and perhaps the government will begin to offer more incentives for businesses, farmers, etc to be able to make sure the country's environmental and the individual's health is protected.... Is the Window to Our Soulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04510255608269038123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-6011458901295410782008-07-29T22:50:00.000+03:002008-07-29T22:50:00.000+03:00Joe- perhaps many people do not wish to purchase s...Joe- perhaps many people do not wish to purchase such mopeds due to the outcome of a crash with a regular car, van, SUV, or other vehicle.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Jameel- as you might know, in America, there are certain tax benefits afforded to those who purchase certain "alternative-fuel" vehicles. However, those tax benefits run out after a certain number of vehicles are sold. Additionally, these vehicles still sell for more than their gasoline-only counterparts. Yes, in a growing number of cases, the higher initial expense is "made back" by the car owner within a few years of purchase, but still- initially, consumers must pay to play. Consumers here still pay a higher dollar amount in sales tax on the initial purchase of an alternative-fuel vehicle compared to a gasoline-only vehicle, simply due to the higher selling price of the alternative-fuel vehicles. Yes, it would be a wise move for Israel to provide financial incentives for its citizens to reduce their environmental impact, but even here, the system isn't "perfect".<BR/><BR/>The solar-power incentives here also require much work in order to see more widespread adoption. Of course, it helps that environmentalism is quite popular currently.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-88900665499513726712008-07-29T18:47:00.000+03:002008-07-29T18:47:00.000+03:00In the US, you can buy an all-electric Vectrix mop...In the US, you can buy an all-electric Vectrix moped for under $9000 - before state green incentive refunds (up to $1500 in California).<BR/><BR/>Great for all those local commutes.<BR/><BR/>Yet it is going to sell in Israel for NIS 50,000! and no government refunds.<BR/><BR/>That's twice the price! Does that make sense?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13539920.post-66610801337832995732008-07-29T17:03:00.000+03:002008-07-29T17:03:00.000+03:00Room for improvement, as I like to call it. Hopef...Room for improvement, as I like to call it. Hopefully some important changes will be made, eventually.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com