re: Markets
Right now, most people like cars more than the alternatives. They like that cars go where they want to go when they want to go there. They like being able to listen to loud music. They like being able to leave their junk in the back seat, and their kids' car seats attached. They like being able to go to the thousands of places that mass transit doesn't. They like being able to mess around in the back seat. There are a LOT of advantages to driving your own car
Yes, here too. That's one of the ways Australians are very similar to Americans. That particular freedom really is sweet - that degree of mobility. I do miss it myself (can't afford it) ..
The 64-Megawatt question has of course always been how to integrate this essentially individualistic freedom, into a functioning society, which by definition is a form of collectivism. That boils down to questions of urban and social organization, and the freedoms and responsibilities of the individual. A tough call ..
BTW, the secret word for Australia is "solar." There is more sun-baked nothing within a thousand miles of the major population centers than almost any other nation has.
Here's an ambitious engineering project you might have already heard about .. (with another link here .. )
Btw your comment highlights a significant difference between the two countries. The US is completely settled from coast to coast, whereas here, all the major cities hug the coastline. I think I've heard that Australia is the most urbanized society in the world!