While conservatives may be satisfied with the status quo, progressives always strive to do better. That philosophy extends to scientific pursuits, especially those that benefit humanity and the planet.
So where is science standing still? There are some notable examples that follow below the fold. What can be done to encourage progress in these lagging areas? Are there other important areas that deserve attention?
- Vehicle fuel efficiency. Per-vehicle fuel efficiency peaked in the 1980s. Failure to improve fuel efficiency, combined with more vehicles driven more miles, means the U.S. is even more dependent on terrorism-funding oil purchases from Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries.
- Trains. The U.S. Denver-to-Chicago rail speed record was set 70 years ago. Meanwhile, Europe and Asia continue to improve their passenger rail systems. With tens of billions spent each year on highways, why not invest a few billion in regional high speed rail?
- Automobile safety. Car accidents still kill tens of thousands of Americans each year. Although cars are certainly safer, why not invest in automated roadways, to dramatically reduce the carnage and suffering?
- Aircraft. Commercial jet aircraft travel no faster than they did forty years ago, although fuel efficiency has improved. Is it possible to get faster airplanes while respecting the environment?
- Deep Sea Research. The Trieste set the record for deepest ocean dive in 1960. We still know less about Earth's own oceans than we do about the Moon. With global climate change, overfishing, and other ocean-related environmental concerns, shouldn't we spend just a little more on ocean science?
- Antibiotics. Drug-resistant TB is spreading, and the world's doctors are running out of options. Much of the problem results from overusing antibiotics in commercial meat and milk production. What steps are we taking to prevent this looming medical crisis?
