Using less oil
The focus of conservation efforts has been largely on fuel for vehicles because "cars account for the lions share of all oil use and oil based pollutants [and] they are far less amenable to alternative-energy technologies." (18).

Some people have advocated higher gas prices as a way of lowering consumption. "What this country needs is a $4-a-gallon gasoline or, maybe, $5. We dont need it today, but we do need it over the next seven to 10 years via a steadily rising oil tax. Coupled with stricter fuel economy standards, higher pump prices would push reluctant auto companies and American drivers away from todays gas guzzlers." (34). Additionally, "[p]hasing in an energy tax would send a signal to entrepreneurs that there will be a market for alternative energies. The tax does not pick technologies that will be left to the market. " (4).

In a modern industrial economy based on ever increasing consumption, with electronics at the heart of our society, it seems unlikely that simply pushing for reduced energy consumption will solve the problem. Additionally, less consumption by present industrial countries does not solve the issue of India and China's skyrocketing energy demands. The New York Times cited President Bush as proposing that "the United States and other big powers concentrate their efforts on developing technologies that reduce emissions rather than on requiring nations to adhere to what amount to quotas on emissions and higher energy costs." (35). Mr. Roberts has noted that because "90 % of man-made CO2 comes from the burning of gas, oil and especially coal, and because gas, oil and coal provide more than 85% of the world's energy, we cannot 'fix' our climate problem without making substantial changes to our energy economy." (36).

Next:
Wind Power