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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