Arguments for life being harder without cars:
* Reduced mobility: Travel would be significantly slower and more limited. Commuting to work, accessing healthcare, visiting family, and transporting goods would all be much more challenging, especially for those in rural areas. This would severely limit economic opportunities and social interactions.
* Slower economic development: The car industry and related industries (roads, gas stations, auto repair) employ millions. Their absence would significantly impact the global economy. The ease of transportation facilitated by cars has been a major driver of economic growth and globalization.
* Limited access to resources: Distributing food, medicine, and other essential goods would be far more difficult and expensive without efficient transportation. This could lead to shortages and higher prices in many areas.
* Environmental impact (potentially less severe but different): While cars contribute significantly to pollution, the absence of cars might mean a reliance on other forms of transport (like horses or trains) which also have their own environmental impacts. However, overall pollution levels might be lower in some regions.
* Less urban sprawl: Cities might be more densely populated and less sprawled out, potentially leading to different types of social and environmental challenges.
Arguments for life being easier without cars:
* Improved public health: Reduced air pollution from cars would improve public health, leading to fewer respiratory illnesses and related health problems. More physical activity from walking and cycling could also contribute to better health.
* Stronger communities: People might be more reliant on local communities and less reliant on long-distance travel, potentially fostering stronger social bonds.
* Reduced traffic accidents and fatalities: Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury. Their absence would dramatically reduce these fatalities and injuries.
* More walkable and bikeable cities: Cities would likely be designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, making them more pleasant and accessible.
In conclusion, life without cars would undoubtedly be very different. While certain aspects might be easier (health, community), many other aspects would be considerably harder (mobility, economic opportunity, access to resources). Whether it's "harder" overall is a subjective judgment depending on what one values most.
