STRIKES = LOSS OF INCOME, POLLUTION, STRESS, PUBLIC HEALTH AT RISK IN CITIES

We’ve seen it for ages: strikes cause catastrophic losses for micro-businesses, over 65% of which in France are at risk of eventually going bankrupt; but even more seriously, they cause stress levels to skyrocket, increase pollution and endanger public health… It’s shocking!

Yes, it’s shocking…

Strikes = The trade union dictatorship of those who enjoy so many privileges that we would be justified in asking whether they are not the well-off…

For if we analyse these ‘days of action’ objectively, we cannot help but notice that it is predominantly public sector workers – who enjoy the greatest lifetime benefits, the best pay and the best pension conditions – who are allowing themselves to seriously disrupt the workers who create wealth.

Let’s not even mention the catastrophic effects of stress and pollution on health…

PUBLIC HEALTH AT RISK IN THE CITY

• Let’s talk precisely about the negative health effects that these strikes are causing and will cause in the future… because the media won’t mention them, of course; certain truths about this hostage-taking of workers must be kept quiet!
• Hundreds of kilometres of extra traffic jams
• Millions more instances of braking and accelerating
• Extra stress behind the wheel and, of course, an exponential increase in the risk of accidents
• A surge in exhaust fumes, fine particles and brake dust
• For commuters, several extra hours crammed into public transport, without really knowing what time they’ll get home after getting up four hours earlier
• A pathological increase in stress and fatigue whilst being poisoned by air pollution

And we have known for years that stress and extreme pollution are responsible for an increasing number of deaths… To go from there to holding the strikers entirely responsible for these tragedies is a leap I will not take, because it is city life, in general, that has become inhumane; they bear only a share of the responsibility!

THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE STRIKES?

Many commuters are switching to cars or coaches, effectively causing a surge in CO2 emissions and fine particulate matter... Strikes cause appalling levels of pollution; that’s a proven fact!

Greta wouldn’t be very happy to read the carbon footprint of a strike; the poor thing might faint... ;-)

Fortunately, the solution will largely come from advances in new technologies and eMobility; the future should save us!

THE FUTURE OF CITIES

Unintentionally, through their blockades, the strikers are demonstrating what urban and suburban traffic will be like in the coming decades.

Chaotic traffic, with more and more traffic jams, streets closed to traffic, fewer and fewer parking spaces, ever-longer journeys on public transport for a service that is inevitably becoming less and less efficient…

In short, getting to work and back home in the evening will have become a daily nightmare!
Of course, some major countries are building new cities with perfectly distributed administrative centres… China, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt… These countries have the space, the money and the political clout to carry out their projects quickly.

In Europe, this would be utopian because there is no money left!

In Switzerland, it’s a bit different… Given that, in over a century, Geneva has still not managed to build its harbour crossing… For this sort of project, it would no doubt take a few centuries… If we remain optimistic…

China, Liuzhou Forest City

Egypt New Administrative Capital

UAE, Masdar City

REMOTE WORK

The relocation of remote service companies, outsourcing and teleworking will enable a vast number of people to enjoy a much better quality of life and work, without having to endure ‘trade union industrial action’ or face the inevitable daily increase in travel times in cities.

eMOBILITY

But what about small businesses? Those that remain in the city – must they go under due to a lack of customers?

Or what about those who do not wish to relocate? Must they endure these unavoidable inconveniences time and time again?

eMobility (motorbikes, scooters, bikes, kick scooters) will largely be the solution for fast and eco-friendly travel.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire Power 105 hp - Range 158 km

BMW C-evo 48 hp Range 160 km

Stromer 983 Wh Range between 60 and 180 km

MATE X 45 km/h Range 120 km

Dualtron Ultra 80 km/h Range 120 km

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND GREEN TECH

Admittedly, all the new technologies – AI, blockchain, remote working and e-mobility – are set to cause a massive surge in demand for energy resources!!

That is why the transition from fossil fuels to GREEN ENERGY is absolutely essential!

Fortunately, we are ready; this transition will happen!

Alain Farrugia