I agree that this is a reasonable place to start. Unfortunately, I don't think that politicians will be able to implement reforms like this without severe backlash from the public. So the ones that do might just get voted out in the next election. But it's what we need to do at a minimum.
Another interpretation of the high modal share of cars in the US is that there are no viable alternatives to driving in many US cities. In Europe, public transport and biking are viable forms of transportation, so we're not forced into car ownership to participate in society (although the situation can definitely still be improved further). I believe this to be a more "democraticed" outcome than an inescapable 85% modal share for cars.
There are people in those cities that don’t have cars and might rely on bussing, biking, sourcing rides from others. That being said you can get cheap cars in the US really easily.
As a support for this comment: doing some estimations, the of average kWh household use in the US is about 10,500 kWh, with about 19% being used for Air Conditioning. The energy mix in the US is quite carbon-intensive, with an average of 0.37kg/kWh. That gives a yearly figure of 740 kg per household.
If we want to reach the climate targets, we need to reduce our yearly CO2 "budget" per capita significantly. It was at about 800kg per person & year for 1.5 degrees a few years ago. As we have resigned that target already, we're at about 1500kg per year & person for the 2 degree target. (estimations of total CO2 budget until 2050, divided by #people on earth).
After 2050, that number per person should go to net zero.
So the way Air Conditioning is used is a significant problem. If the entire world would use it like it is used in the United States, we would get into a runaway situation. And we kind of are heading towards it.
But it's not clear how to interpret the date code: 05-06 could be 5th June or 6th May; same sorry for 06-05. Very confusing due to American-style date formatting. Versions number are at least sequential, with a bigger number being a later version.
As an outside observer, I believe that it's dangerous to disregard the threat of a dismantling of the democratic system. The current administration seem to have little regards for any traditions or rules of law, and is actively targeting governmental institutions that limit how they can wield their power.
Democracy is not some magic spell that will bring the administration back to normality. Democracy only works as long as all players continue to act as if democratic decisions are binding. The executive branch have already shown they are more than willing to go against the judicial branch. They could do the same with the legislative branch. Questioning the legitimacy of elections, or actively rigging elections, is a possible next step in the same playbook.
We should focus on how the actions of the current administration work as means to consolidate their power. A powerful minority can rule over a majority, as long as their keys to power are upheld.
We visited a manufacturing / assembly plats for industrial vehicles in Sweden during the autumn. Everything was spotless, bright, and almost silent. All the tools were neatly organised in overhead ergonomic hangers, reducing the stress on the workers. It looked like a great place to work, nor akin to an office than a dirty grimy workshop.
On the other hand, I visited a Canadian plant and the difference was stark. There was hardly any lighting, the floor was black with dirt, and the noise was unbearable. This was a small supplier about 10 years ago, so take it with a pinch of salt.
There is interesting effects from group dynamics and having a sense of purpose that can help people reintegrate into society. But the work environment has to be prioritised to make it easier on the workers. If the work place looks and acts like a prison camp, you are not going to get those benefits.
The point is that clean factories do exist, and manufacturing can be a good place to work. But it needs some work to make it so.
