Can someone please explain how this technology existed 31 years ago & where’d it go?
 

[youtube]https://youtu.be/9Xz3ZjOSMRU[/youtube]

48:14: “Why do we permit automobiles that get 15-25mpg, when the technology exists for automobiles to get 60-100mpg?” - Carl Sagan 2/9/90.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xz3ZjOSMRU

Couldn't see the video, fixed it for ya.

at work and youtube is blocked. Can someone give me a 20 word summary? Thanks

Haven't watched it (I'm at work) but it is about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power.

An aerodynamic vehicle with a small diesel engine and long gearbox has been possible for decades now.
A 1999 VW Lupo 3L can beat 3,0 L/100 km (78 mpg) pretty easy with its 1.2 TDi engine.
If you swapped a Smart Roadster with the Smart ForTwo 0.8 CDI engine, you'd have an absurdly fuel efficent as well as fun car (if it wasn't for that god awfull gearbox).

^That's basically it.

Thanks for fixing my video! Summary of OP video: it’s a keynote address expounding on a 4 step call to action on Global Warming, briefly outlined here:

[youtube]https://youtu.be/HQ5u-l9Je0s[/youtube]

Sprinkled in with anecdotes from Greek mythology humorously used to good natured-ly poke fun at modern policies, as well as some space explorative studies, and specifically of our closest neighbors, Venus and Mars, and it’s related implications here on Earth.

Carl Sagan’s 4 step call to action:

1. Why not cars that get 70mpg, instead of 25.

We can do better today. Top 3 non-diesel gas cars reliably capable of 100+ mpg: 4th Gen Toyota Prius, Prius Prime, RAV4 Prime.

2. Alternative energy like solar & wind.

3. Reforestation on a grand scale.

4. Helping to bring the billion poorest people on the planet to self sufficiency, which is the key step in curbing world population growth.

I won't click on links unless there's some explanation of what it is.

Every click-bait tactic is some form of "You won't believe what happened!"

There's no reason to click on such things. I have no idea what technology is being discussed here.

That's not basically it; not anywhere near it. That's an explanation, not the only one.

Why does my motorcycle only get 40 MPG when it could get 100? I want a fast one, that's why. It has nothing to do with being conspicuously seen spending more money on gasoline just because I can.

That's just one alternate explanation among thousands.

Not just conspicuous consumption, but as Carl Sagan says,

“...adolescent young men, who need to have extremely rapid acceleration for psychological reasons of their own.

For all practical purposes, much greater fuel efficiency in automobiles is perfectly possible.”

Profound.