Alpharetta still ranks relatively low in terms of population density (1,631.6/sq mi), compared to our neighbor cities to the south Roswell (2,086.5/sq mi) and Dunwoody (2,711.4/sq mi). Due to this low population density, MARTA has refused to extend the rail system from North Springs to Alpharetta. We also have limited public bus support and a road infrastructure designed only for automobile use (no considerations made for bikes and pedestrians).
The problem with this situation is that oil will not last forever (and its cost will be unaffordable for most people way before we actually run out). We will either need a reliable public transportation system or a different means to propel our cars. Biofuel is not the answer…electric cars powered by solar, wind or geothermal sources is.
This is one of my favorite charts: A comparison of the distance a car can drive based on either of the following forms of energy, each produced on 100m x 100m of land (2.5 acres). Why does biofuel not really cut it? Electric cars are about four times more energy efficient than fuel based cars, no matter whether they are based on biofuel or other fuel. This is because any fuel engine mostly creates heat and thus wastes the majority of the available energy units. Combine this with plants not being very efficient solar energy harvesters relative to semiconductor based solar electricity, and the result is this huge difference.
Treehugger
Photo credit: Dominik Gwarek
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