Germany's Green Party wants politicians to drive hybrids and ride bikes
Few would argue that Germany is known for its cars, as well as for their high-speed roadways. Manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have a well-deserved reputation for building awe-inspiring cars ... which also emit plenty of polllutants into the air. Keeping these facts in mind, we have a hard time imagining German politicians riding around in hybrid cars, let alone bicycles. Still, "It's just embarrassing when all parties preach climate protection and then drive around Berlin in fat luxury cars," says Winfried Hermann, the Green Party's transport spokesman. In order to make the transition from Porsche's to pedals, the Green Party wants the Bundestag (those with seats in Parliament) to trade in their current cars for hybrids and to have access to the rental bicycles available in cities across Germany. [Source: Spiegel Online]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
KEVIN 7:34PM (3/24/2008)
Hey i agree to mandate those in Europe along with those in the us to use hybrids. It not only sends the right message but it also supports the manufacturers in there hybrid quest . Creating hybrids are very expensive and to make a profit takes alot of sales . So to have the government brandishing their product and supporting them is nothing but good . ( i like the lexus rx hybrid i am just waiting for them to redesign and make it look better so i can buy one)
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Amymou 12:03AM (3/25/2008)
Totally in support of this idea. Driving hybrids and riding bikes
can not only solve the traffic problem but also erase the environment pollution and it's also good to our health.
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Amymou 12:05AM (3/25/2008)
To find more cool bicycles, go to http://www.madeinchina.com.
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Niralisherni 5:28AM (3/25/2008)
Considering that Germany is the gas-guzzler producing capital of the world, it is a good idea that they are looking to counter some of the negative effect their vehicles have had on the environment over the years. And after all Politicians leaders should lead by example :)
-http://www.zapworld.com
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Peter 6:15AM (3/25/2008)
Creating hybrids is a good sign to save the environment from pollution. I am a proud owner of the greenest vehicle "Toyota Prius". It’s a well engineered car and I got some tax deductions.
If you would like search cars by green rating then click "Search by green rating" at http://www.autousa.com/
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rgseidl 9:25AM (3/25/2008)
Note that these politicians are under just as much pressure to "ride domestic" as their US counterparts. Many choose turbocharged diesel engines, which are in fact hybrids - just not electric ones!
Still, it's legitimate to expect pols to walk the talk. Is it unreasonable to require them to publish a statement related to how much CO2 they are responsible for as a result of traveling on official business? The other day, the German environment minister flew from his vacation spot in Spain back to Berlin for a meeting at the request of the chancellor - in an otherwise empty jet. Was the phone not good enough?
Note that bicycles may not work for every politician, e.g. for security reasons.
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Kornylius 2:27AM (3/26/2008)
Whenever you're "having a hard time imagining German politicians riding around in hybrid cars, let alone bicycles", keep in mind that Germany has a much lower per capita carbondioxide emission than the US. And that's not because we're a Third World country as some Americans may believe, but because Europeans and especially Germans developed an eco-conscience decades ago. Yes, Germany is home to Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but also home to Smart. Due to high fuel taxes fuel efficiency became a necessity here long before most North Americans started to think about it. Please take a look in the mirror before you paint your global map with broad, cliched brushstrokes.
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