Re: Another Lurker jumps in the fray- Forestmusic
posted on
May 01, 2008 08:17PM
The latest spin from CNBC is that high energy costs will dramatically impede Asia's growth rate, bringing the commodity boom to a screeching halt. What is wrong with that picture of course is that Asia and especially China is doing a good job of growing its energy supplies, especially nuclear. As well, for those Chinese or Indians who have never had a car, buying a tiny efficient means of transport , perhaps a scooter , moped or tiny car is a much more motivating experience than I will go through downsizing from an oversized pickup to a Smart Car. We have built roads, infrastructure, and a suburban lifestyle that is not easily adjustible downward to vehicles built for a more planned urban environment. So, another theory as to why high gas prices will kill the commodity boom (but just in Asia !)just does not reflect reality. Those who already consume the most inefficiently will feel the most pain of adjustment, and the biggest challenges to growth , but the world will move on. In fact, efficient transportation infrastructure will require much more metals than our legacy gravel/ asphalt highways.