In today's day and age there is a definite energy crisis plaguing the world, there is simply to petroleum based fuels to accommodate the every growing demand of gas guzzling internal combustion engines. This is not the only problem, inefficient engines and accumulations of greenhouse gases are exacerbating and accelerating the ever present threat of global warming and on the same wave length the emission of these gases are degrading fragile ecosystems and the natural environment as a whole. This is especially true when one looks at the gaseous cloud looming over Cairo's inner city. In a recent assessment done by the WHO Cairo ranks along side the likes of Mexico City in terms of the world's worst cities in terms of air pollution. Cairo streets are a medley of old cars and inefficient engines which release copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. A recent project initiated by a local non-profit organization referred to as the Wadi Environmental Science Center has put forth an idea that is attempting to curb these troubling trends.

Incorporating several schools and universities the Wadi has set up an interactive program which allows physics students and future engineers to build their own go-kart. There is of course a twist, the cars must be environmentally friendly and must be devoid of any greenhouse gas as a by product of propulsion. Universities and schools were given several ideas as too what form of propulsion could be used, these ranged from hydrogen powered cars to solar powered cars. Students were too choose how and where the go-karts were too be built and were even assigned the trying task of finding materials including the motor. I had the opportunity to take part in this process along with a team of my colleagues at the Canadian International School of Egypt as a final project for all grade twelve physics students. My colleagues and I spent countless hours searching for spare parts in the shadiest of Cairo's streets. Day after day we searched for spare parts including batteries and a working motor, often times bargaining with stubborn sales personnel to no avail. After shopping my colleagues and I travelled back and forth to the Wadi often twice a week over a period of one month to aid the in the manufacturing of the chassis and the assembly of parts. This was no easy task, problems ranged from a lack of parts, absenteeism and lack of proper planning often times resulting in both internal conflict and conflict with the on-site technicians. After a month of fine tuning and hard work, we managed to build a battery-powered car, rusty and slow but none the less functional and ultimately the fruit of our labour.

It is safe to say that the world's energy problems are the responsibility of those who inhabit the world, but often times we are careless and apathetic when we address this issue. Projects such as this give the youth a chance to consider this responsibility and give them the opportunity to attempt to address this on going problem not only by word of mouth but by action as well. I found that this experience helped open my eyes to the reality and prevalence of this problem in today's modern world, it also gave me hope that perhaps there is still time for us a people to change and focus on reversing come of the damage we've done to our earth. Ultimately our predecessors have placed the burden on us to assume a constructive and improve the global condition not only for ourselves but for those to come.