This monstrosity was parked at a trailhead on Quadra Island. It was
taking up three, or perhaps four spaces. But that's not an important
matter. What is important is that this is an example of how excessive
consumerism continues to run rampant in the face of all the scientific
evidence that we are heading toward a climate catastrophe.
Consumer capitalism is based on the idea that companies should be free
to put whatever products they want on the market, and consumers should
be free to buy what they want - subject to some government regulation
(which is quickly disappearing in the US). But clearly this economic
system is damaging our environment and harming the prospects of
future generations.
I looked up the Unicat Man on the Internet. Fully equipped with all the
options, this vehicle can cost close to $1 million CAD. Does anybody
need that? And Unicat makes even bigger vehicles than this.
I am fully aware that I am hypocritical in raising these concerns.
I drove my vehicle to the trailhead, and I carried along one of my
many cameras. I am part of the problem. So I believe that the
solution to the problem cannot be based solely on the hope of better
voluntary behavior from weak-willed people like myself. Instead, we
need a much stronger regulatory regime to move economic activity in
a more sustainable direction. I know that many people will be outraged
by any loss in their personal freedom, but I am far more concerned
about my grandson's freedom to breath clean air.
Best viewed at original size.