Are we solving the right problem?

John Lam asks an interesting question: When is 12 mpg better than 100 mpg?

The essence of the argument is that although hybrid cars are much more fuel efficient, there are still many more people - particularly in the US - who like to drive the far less efficient 'performance' cars. Therefore, it makes more sense to try to give them new, more fuel efficient, versions of what they already want.

I think this is an interesting way of reframing the problem. It also makes me wonder what we could do to make existing cars a bit more efficient. Robert Scoble has an interesting podcast all about hypermiling - the process of altering your driving style to maximise your mileage.

I think it is fascinating to explore complex problems from many angles, and it is also clear that our current environmental problems can be solved through both social and technological means.