A story this morning in the news says that inflation in the US went up 0.5% during July, mostly because of petrol prices. That's 6% a year. I'm getting a 1% "cost of living adjustment" in my salary and am damned lucky to get that.

It highlights, underscores, italicizes, and bolds the need for the world to get off the oil teat. Hybrid vehicles are only part of the answer -- it's going to require a massive change in the way we travel and think.

Problem is, the "developed countries" have "demonstrated" to those less so that petroleum consumption is one of the earmarks of development and so very much of the world's economy is now slanted towards petroleum use (look at plastics, for just one example of many).

Of course, the problems facing the world are Hydra-headed because each problem (overpopulation, poverty, hunger, resource depletion, etc.) has manifold causes itself. A globally holistic view is needed, and I honestly don't see the politicians developing one.