In Extraenvironmentalist #31 we speak with Dr. Joseph Tainter about collapse, complexity and energy. Dr. Tainter recently co-authored Drilling Down which explains why the BP Gulf Oil spill occurred in terms of the complexity that supports our society. We discuss concepts of complexity, energy and a meaningful definition of sustainability. In our conversation, Dr. Tainter covers the dynamics of the Roman Empire as it moved further down the road of collapse; debasing its currency and unraveling due the expenses of foreign wars. Seth and I ask if energy alternatives exist that can support civilization, such as from using solar photovoltaics or wind power. If they can’t, are we trapped in a complexity spiral with no way out?
Related Articles
Are we prepared for a fuel shock driven by climate change?
Biofuels are being used to plug the Gulf crisis energy gap, but climate change makes this a fragile strategy.
November 4, 2026
Altman to humanity: ‘Accept some bad things to get benefits of AI’
AI offers far fewer benefits than the industry touts, leaning on what AI supposedly will do rather than what it can do now.
October 29, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether climate suits can go forward
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether a lawsuit seeking damages for climate-change-related harm to Boulder County can proceed.
October 26, 2026
Forum
Visit the Resilience Community Forum today to join conversations on topics you care about. Share ideas and resources, make connections, and help create momentum on important issues.
Comments