The findings of a recent survey reveal to what extent our culture is hooked on cars. Nearly four in ten respondents—a full 37 percent—responded that solving the fuel crisis was a priority over advances in medicine (like finding cures for fatal illness, such as AIDS, cancer, and heart disease) and solutions to other socioeconomic crises.

Might this mean we're getting more environmentally hip? If only. A weak fourteen percent of respondents said that money and resources should be funneled to environmental causes, instead. Funding for medical purposes came in at a close second to the fuel crisis, winning 30 percent of the vote. However, for the majority of respondents, it's clear that a carectomy isn't on the radar.

The study was comissioned by the Fairfax County (VA) Economic Development Authority for the purpose of anticipating future investment in business sectors.

"These results are a snapshot in time of what people believe today should be the focus of technological investment," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA.

A similar survey in Great Britain, also conducted by the FCEDA, mirrored results in the U.S. Advances in medical technology, however, topped respondents' lists with 38 percent of the vote. Fuel efficiency and alternative fuels were a close second, at 33 percent.

Photos via flickr by hundrednorth & southernpixel.

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MarkR said:

I would totally agree, as a Christian Conservative Republican that leans heavily toward environmental stewardship. I'd say the environment is larger than most of our health issues because I believe if we lived in a less polluted environment we wouldn't have as many health issues. I believe if we drove cars that didn't spit out co2 and other nauseous gases it would cut the number of asthmatics in 1/2. Other health issues would be solved if more people commuted to work by bike. Also I'm not concerned about the disease issues because, I'm more concerned about getting hit by a car and I believe in an afterlife so death doesn't bother me as bad as it would if I were an atheist. A lot of desiese are a result of lifestyle, Morbid Obesity (will likely lose mom to this one), Lung Cancer (lost 2 grandparents to that one, both smokers), Aids (wife lost a friend to this one, you can blame it on lifestyle). And most of the human losses that affected me personally were a result of lifestyle choices, either present or past. For most cases its cliche but true, you reap what you sow. Besides I don't want to be an indigent senior that can't go anywhere or do anything because of old age, I'd rather really live a good clean full life and die younger. As long as I live long enough to see my kids through adulthood, and I don't widow my wife, I'll be happy the day I die. I imagine/expect to be affected by skin cancer because of being in the sun so much riding my bike and all the sun burns I've received over the years. Also I expect to have heart issues because nothing satisfies my hunger after a good ride like a good, juicy steak, or BBQ with all the sides. I just love beef.

April 04, 2008

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