Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Nuclear waste is an unsolved problem, plant meltdowns are themselves environmentally disastrous, and nuclear material can be used to nefarious and horrifying ends. But if we see climate change as the No. 1 environmental emergency, nuclear energy must, at least, be given a fair hearing. Thus, despite the fact that contemplating it makes me feel like Dick Cheney, we will return to this fissile topic anon.
On this 35th anniversary of Earth Day, environmentalists gathered at the University of Alaska library to discuss the world’s energy future. Meanwhile pressure builds to drill oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Environmentalist David Suzuki on PO / Bartlett says no to energy bill / Anticiper la fin du pétrole / The green dream is alive / The (oil) quicksand trap / Bill McKibben says we’re in denial / House energy bill is no big shakes / The Saudis make promises / Indonesian president wants renewables / Bill McKibben looks for enviro-conscious art / Wangari Maathai says to take hope / more
Transcript of Rep. Roscoe Bartlett’s speech on Peak Oil to the House of Representatives April 20.
A goal of mine has been to contact individuals in
various positions that may have first hand information that may shed more light on the energy situation. Today was one of those days. I had an interesting discussion with a senior level executive of one of this country’s reputable energy firms.
Saudi Arabia failed to provide the United States with any new promises or assurances over oil supplies ahead of a key meeting between Crown Prince Abdullah and George W. Bush at the president’s ranch in Crawford, Texas on Monday.
[Interview with President Bush covers gas prices, Saudi pumping capacity and the future of hydrocarbons] “…we’re just going to have to change our habits. And that’s one of the reasons why I funded the hydrogen-powered automobile initiative, fully recognizing that, you know, with the decade we’re going to have to think about how to drive different — you know, power, power our automobiles. It’s a — the hydrocarbon society will still be with us, but it can’t be with us to the extent it is today.”
UK oil depletion awareness organisation PowerSwitch.org.uk officially launches free forum for people concerned about the imminent peak in global oil production and the consequences for the UK to meet, talk and work locally to raise awareness.
Oil production could peak next year, reports John Vidal. Just kiss your lifestyle goodbye. [Long serious piece in a major UK newspaper, featuring Collin Campbell, Chris Skrebowski, etc.]
…there’s a sense in which it’s advantageous if the oil peak is earlier. The reason why is it will compel the world, primarily the U.S. here, to move toward something like sustainable energy.
If there’s unbounded amounts of hydrocarbons, we’re just going to destroy the environment for human life or most biological life, so the earlier the peak is, in some respects – yes, it could be catastrophic, it could also be beneficial.
PO means we need to get out of our cars / IMF urges oil data transparency / Energy bill full of pork / Underwater crystals may yield energy / India loves its trains / Eat local / Cross between car and bike
NG industry insider talks / CS Monitor: Good-bye cheap gas / America’s peak experience / PO a myth, says OPEC / Farmers hear about PO / ODAC report / Greenspan wants an energy policy / Republican says hydrogen is B.S. / more
