Cabbies in particular seem to like discussing the fate the Earth.

The denser places get, the lower the amount of energy people use to get around it.

If mass media, social isolation in the suburbs, alienating workplaces and long car commutes create a bunker mentality, the Internet does the opposite.

There is no such thing as garbage, just useful stuff in the wrong place.

Cabbies in particular seem to like discussing the fate the Earth.

Optimism is a political act. Those who benefit from the status quo are perfectly happy for us to think nothing is going to get any better. In fact, these days, cynicism is obedience.

Clean air and water, a diversity of animal and plant species, soil and mineral resources, and predictable weather are annuities that will pay dividends for as long as the human race survives – and may even extend our stay on Earth.