Things to come (parts 1-4)
Novelist and screenwriter Michael Ventura envisions how we will live after peak oil in a series of columns that appeared in the Austin Chronicle.
Society
Peak Fish: Hooked on fishing, and we’re heading for the bottom, says scientist
The world has passed “peak fish” and fishermen’s nets will be hauling in ever diminishing loads unless there’s political action to stem the global tide of over fishing, says a fisheries expert based at the University of British Columbia.
“The Unplugged” – a speculative fiction
If you are willing to live as an Unplugger does, your cost to buy out is only around three months of wages for a factory worker, the price of a used car. You never need to “work” again, although there are plenty of life support activities to keep you busy, and a lot of basic research and science to do. Unplugging is not an off-the-shelf solution, it’s a research career!
The End of Dollar Hegemony
A hundred years ago it was called “dollar diplomacy.” After World War II, and especially after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, that policy evolved into “dollar hegemony.” But after all these many years of great success, our dollar dominance is coming to an end.
Peak Oil, the Loch Ness Monster and Energy Descent
What are ‘peakniks’ supposed to do once everyone cops on as to the reality of peak oil? Rob Hopkins argues that getting people aware about peak oil is not an ends in itself.
Peak oil – Feb 18
Inverview with Syriana screenwriter Stephen Gaghan /
Cantarell – an omen? /
The Iran crisis & global peak oil, part 2 /
Satisfying China’s demand for energy /
Do high prices mean we’re running out of natural gas?
Iran: consequences of a war
A comprehensive analysis of the likely nature of US or Israeli military action that would be intended to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities. It outlines both the immediate consequences in terms of loss of human life, facilities and infrastructure, and also the likely Iranian responses, which would be extensive.
Telling stories: the restorative power of myth
Recently, writer Bill McKibben issued a call for artists to grapple with the epoch-making topic of global warming. “If the scientists are right,” he wrote, “we’re living through the biggest thing that’s happened since human civilization emerged.” In order to wrap our minds around the enormity, he said, we must engage our most creative and dramatic sensibilities. We must create art.
Sustainability & solutions – Feb 9
The community car /
Sustainability Network Update #56 /
Online book on managing farm pests ecologically /
Creating the modern “EcoHood” /
Back to the farm: Japanese retirees are choosing gardens over golf /
Polluting households face green taxes /
A drive toward fewer cars in Seattle
Local Energy – Local Currency – Local Power
Loss of faith in national currencies could lead to economic paralysis. Local currencies can provide solutions while stimulating local trade and relocalisation efforts. Renewable energy backed local currencies may be an important economic invigorator in a post-peak world.
Walking the talk, speaking from the fire
Entrepreneurial optimism and a positive attitude have been the seat of success for visionaries in this land of opportunity, so where does the bad news of the planet fit into this be-positive, ever uplifting, inspirational, don’t-bum-me-out chatter?
Trading oil in euros – does it matter?
Is the threat of an Iranian oil bourse trading oil in euros the real reason for the possible military attack of Iran? First, we must understand exactly why central banks keep foreign exchange reserves explains Cóilín Nunan.
