As gas prices continue to rise in the US we can get a picture of what’s to come by looking across the pond.  British gas prices are currently at a staggering $9 per gallon.  To combat the surge; Britons are driving less than ever, using mass transit and a growing number are starting to car pool whenever possible.  Many surveys show that Britain is a leader in changing driving habits primarily due to the surge in gas prices.

Sources say that there has been an observable change in the purchasing of fuel from gas stations as well as the number of cars and congestion on the road.  Overall buying is down and it is becoming clear that consumers are cutting back on unnecessary outings.

Many environmentalists believe the growing cost of fuel to be a benefit that will drive consumers to consider alternative energy sources.  If nothing else it will curb an unnecessary use of oil.  On the flip side, economists remind us to consider the population on a fixed income or who barely make ends meet.  Growing gas prices will put these groups in a tough spot and they surely will not have extra funds to invest in the required lifestyle change.

Are car companies competing to develop more fuel efficient cars as a reaction to an over-polluted environment, or as a reaction to increasing oil prices? Well, that’s not always perfectly clear to the consumer who is often bulldozed with “green” advertisements at every turn. Car companies are taking advantage of environmental fears by pushing vehicles that are more fuel efficient, that in turn emit less pollutants. From

The Wall Street Journal:

As soaring gasoline prices boost demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, the global auto giants are battling to define the next generation of automobiles with a blitz of eco-friendly vehicle launches, new technologies and campaigns to show off their green credentials. - The Wall Street Journal

So how important is it that these new fleets have “green credentials”, and does the consumer even care? And how about the car companies themselves, are they really concerned with reducing pollutants, or are they only focused on luring in consumers struggling with escalating fuel costs?

The whole “green” campaign seems to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing for both the consumer and the auto industry, promoted only to offer a feeling of eco-consciousness about a clearly economic problem. The benefits to the environment are just an after effect. So what is this wolf? -Misguided understanding/education of very important environmental issues, that if never brought to peoples’ attention with as much intensity as the “green” movement, could come back to bite us in the ass.