The Truth about Oil and the Looming World Energy Crisis. C. J. Campbell
After hearing about Colin Campbell’s most recent publication in the July ’04 ASPO newsletter I had to order myself a copy. This is what the newsletter had to say:
“A booklet by C.J.Campbell with the above title is now on sale from info@eagleoffice.net . It provides an outline of the subject in plain non-technical language, using the medium of an imaginary Public Inquiry to make the point. It includes a copy of the proposed Depletion Protocol that would better manage depletion, and a CD containing ten Power Point presentations complete with speaker notes. The booklet is aimed at the widest possible audience providing different interest groups, especially in the educational field, with the essential ingredients for lectures, courses, talks and presentations within their own spheres. The initial response has been very positive.”
I obtained my copy direct from Eagle Office, they don’t have the facility to take credit card payment on-line but phoning the number on the website was quick and easy, I spoke to Gemma who was very friendly. I placed the order on Monday (6th July ’04) afternoon and it arrived from Ireland to my UK address on the Wednesday. Total cost 21.75 Euro (~£14.50).
The booklet is A5 in size, spiral bound and comprises of 54 pages (46 excluding the contents, bibliography and references) and is printed in black and red.
The booklet addresses the topic of Peak Oil in a novel and refreshing way, as a commentary on an imaginary Public Inquiry. This commentary allows a vast range of opinions, facts and analysis to be covered in remarkably few words. This clear and efficient style makes it very readable and if distributed and publicised widely could reach a far wider audience than any 300 page book could.
The bibliography itself is very complete – the ultimate reading list for anyone interested in the subject.
I came to this publication having already read Deffeyes K. S., Hubbert’s peak – the impending world oil shortage and Heinberg R., The Party’s Over not to mention the majority of ASPO newsletters so it didn’t tell me very much new. The strengths of this publication are it’s accessibility to a wide audience. Certainly suitable to pass to friends and family.
Accompanying the book is a CD with 10 power point presentations. These are excellent. I have on a couple of occasions tried to create a neat, tidy, clear, structured presentation on this subject… without much success. Campbell has succeeded where I failed.
The final few pages contain current oil & gas production for 64 countries as well as forecasts out to 2050.
I feel the price is a little steep for something that has the potential to be so widely accessible. I have no idea how much it costs to self publish material like this. I expect it’s not cheap but it would be nice to see this available at Amazon for under £10. Drops half a star for the price but otherwise highly recommended.
Added: Thursday, July 08, 2004
Reviewer: Chris
Score: 4 1/2 stars
Related Link: Peakoil.net
