Is it Worse than We Thought?
Every now and then I've mentioned discussion about the potential threat to political and economic stability known as "peak oil" - that is, the period of time when the rate of extraction of petroleum falls below the rate of demand/consumption. The key to understanding the danger in such a shift is the realization that we are dependent on oil for most of the world's agricultural production and for sustaining economic growth.
Peak oil garnered a bit of mainstream media attention last week when Britain's The Guardian newspaper published an article claiming that a whistleblower from within the International Energy Agency said that American pressure has led the body to downplay the rate of decline in existing reserves and to overplay the chances of finding new oil fields. Other recent reports that suggest governments are ignoring an imminent threat have been presented by the NGO Global Witness, the UK Energy Research Centre, and the Global Energy group at Uppsala University, Sweden. George Monbiot of The Guardian has suggested that, if the whistleblower and these reports are correct, "the global economy is stuffed."
Granted, on the flip side, the IEA denies any cover-ups and there are industry experts out there who are much more optimistic. However, it is important to keep in mind the precautionary principle, and the debate highlights how much we don't know about the future production of a substance we have become so utterly dependent upon. In the end, I'm not expecting us to descend into Mad Max chaos. Who knows, perhaps an article in the latest Newsweek suggests the miracle of cold fusion is on the way after all. However, we could be in for a rather bumpy ride. Fortunately, the kinds of preparations that can be helpful for a more unstable future are the kinds of practices we should already be putting in place to combat climate change and promote sustainable, healthy living. These include growing more of our own food, conserving rainwater, buying locally, reducing waste, eating less meat, developing more practical skills, and turning away from the consumerist lifestyle. As sustainability and homestead activist Sharon Astyk writes, the changes to be made in our lives in light of global warming and fossil fuel depletion are complementary. I would add that they happen to coincide with a more faithful reclamation of the biblical vision for community, creation, and shalom.
Peak oil garnered a bit of mainstream media attention last week when Britain's The Guardian newspaper published an article claiming that a whistleblower from within the International Energy Agency said that American pressure has led the body to downplay the rate of decline in existing reserves and to overplay the chances of finding new oil fields. Other recent reports that suggest governments are ignoring an imminent threat have been presented by the NGO Global Witness, the UK Energy Research Centre, and the Global Energy group at Uppsala University, Sweden. George Monbiot of The Guardian has suggested that, if the whistleblower and these reports are correct, "the global economy is stuffed."
Granted, on the flip side, the IEA denies any cover-ups and there are industry experts out there who are much more optimistic. However, it is important to keep in mind the precautionary principle, and the debate highlights how much we don't know about the future production of a substance we have become so utterly dependent upon. In the end, I'm not expecting us to descend into Mad Max chaos. Who knows, perhaps an article in the latest Newsweek suggests the miracle of cold fusion is on the way after all. However, we could be in for a rather bumpy ride. Fortunately, the kinds of preparations that can be helpful for a more unstable future are the kinds of practices we should already be putting in place to combat climate change and promote sustainable, healthy living. These include growing more of our own food, conserving rainwater, buying locally, reducing waste, eating less meat, developing more practical skills, and turning away from the consumerist lifestyle. As sustainability and homestead activist Sharon Astyk writes, the changes to be made in our lives in light of global warming and fossil fuel depletion are complementary. I would add that they happen to coincide with a more faithful reclamation of the biblical vision for community, creation, and shalom.
Post a Comment