A Canadian economist says the U.S. is heading for a major collision between rising energy prices and its lifestyle of excess.
"Americans will have to face a stark reality as they strive toward a greener lifestyle: no matter how much more efficient their vehicles, homes and products are, they're using them too much, a new report suggests.
U.S. energy use per unit of gross domestic product has fallen more than 50 percent since 1975, indicating a more efficient society, according to a report by CIBC World Markets chief economist Jeff Rubin. However, total energy use has risen by more than 40 percent, Rubin said, because of an "efficiency paradox": greater efficiency makes energy cheaper, enabling greater use.
Such a paradox has broad implications for the future of energy security in the U.S., which has been focused on expanding the renewable-energy sector through tax credits and other initiatives to curb carbon dioxide emissions and reduce reliance on foreign oil. However, such measures have had "little impact" on either, Rubin says in his report.
Factors causing the surge in energy demand include a population that has grown by more than 40 percent since 1975, the "suburbanization" of America and a wealthy society than can simply afford to use more energy. However, Rubin is focused on the lifestyle of excess that defines a certain segment of America: "gas-guzzling" SUVs, longer drives, bigger homes, more cars per household and a culture that supports leaving the lights, computers and air conditioners on when no one's home."
FULL STORY: CIBC Economist: U.S. Must Conserve More

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie