Plastic – May 19
Portland ponders: Paper or plastic?
The teeming plasticized masses’ awakening
Society
Dysfunction – May 18
Pivotal moment in the green scare
Dmitry Orlov: Civilization sabotages itself
Ten lessons from Katrina on our [in]ability to cope with crises
The view from the grassy knoll
Some leading authors on peak oil insist that US government complicity in the 9/11 attacks is crucial to understanding the subject. How relevant are these claims to the predicament of industrial society?
Dysfunction – May 16
Polymers are forever
Frenetic lifestyle puts the boots to leisurely strolls
Peak Oil Review – May 14
An executive summary of weekly news from a peak oil perspective.
Also, a commentary by Matthew R. Simmons: “Gasoline Picture Looking Grim for Dog Days of Summer.”
The sustainable marriage
I’ve heard over and over about marriages struggling when partners have different ideas about the right thing to do about peak oil/sustainability/climate change. There are real and serious reasons that people are better off going into hard times with stable marriages and good support systems.
Dysfunction – May 10
Texas House favors gas tax break
40 percent of babies watch TV, study finds
Review of Consumed by Benjamin Barber
Religion and peak oil: The next spirituality
Whatever religion or combination of religions rises to prominence as industrial society slides down the far side of Hubbert’s peak, the religious dimension will very likely play a massive role in the way today’s society’s adapt to tomorrow’s world of harsh limits and harsher choices.
Cornucopian catechism: Notes from Pittsburgh
Trying to bring peak oil to the hometown. An example of the Semmelweis Reflex.
Urban design – May 8
No-walking blues (in suburban sprawl)
Cycling good in Cascadia, Europe’s better
Spain balks at corrupt urbanization
Moving New York City toward sustainable energy independence
How creation of an Energy Shortage Plan will prepare New York City for energy price volatility and accelerate the long-term transition to energy sustainability. (50-page report)
Transport – May 7
Binge-flying culture
Qantas sale: flying blind into turbulent times
A two-wheeled option (with battery) for commuters
Taking our time off – slower vacations
Your car + your commute = A visit to your doctor
