Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
John Langhus We believe that no other challenge we currently face will be adequately addressed unless we are successful in tackling our energy challenges. Based on recognition of the fundamental change that has taken place in global energy markets, critical elements of a new approach to energy policy are set out below.
Throughout the Peak Oil and collapse of civilization milieu, much speculation abounds regarding the speed with which collapse might occur. Some theorists insist or imply that the descent will be rapid and dramatic while others argue for a more “slow burn” scenario, less dramatic and more stair-step-like in progression. The tone of proponents of acute collapse reverberates with urgency while the tone of authors who perceive collapse as occurring in a more protracted fashion is notable for its moderation and skepticism of the rapid descent theory.
Jeremy Leggett discusses the UK Industry Taskforce on Peak Oil and Energy Security
Total sees nuclear energy for growth after peak oil
On theoretical, scientific or ideological grounds
Weekly review including:
– Prices and consumption
– Production cuts
– Investment continues to fall
– The forthcoming IEA report
– Detroit
– Briefs
The talk you are about to hear is the result of a lengthy process on my part. My specialty is in thinking about and, unfortunately, predicting collapse. My method is based on comparison: I watched the Soviet Union collapse, and, since I am also familiar with the details of the situation in the United States, I can make comparisons between these two failed superpowers.
I was born and grew up in Russia, and I traveled back to Russia repeatedly between the late 80s and mid-90s. This allowed me to gain a solid understanding of the dynamics of the collapse process as it unfolded there.
Gore: The Climate for Change
Dreaming the Future Can Create the Future
KunstlerCast bonanza (audio)
“The average American has no clue what is about to hit them. Neither does the average investor. The magnitude of the life changes we’re about to see is simply incredible.” This is how Catherine Elder, an energy expert at noted consultancy R.W. Beck, describes what will be the impact of a federally-imposed system to regulate the U.S.’s carbon dioxide emissions.
With significant Democratic gains in Congress, Obama will have an opportunity to sign more significant energy-related legislation than we’ve seen since Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Will it be enough to prevent an energy-driven depression following the present economic turmoil?
The problems we now face will not be solved at the central government level. They might be mitigated or exacerbated, but not truly solved. In essence, the world as currently constructed has become ungovernable. So, along with new ways of living, we must find new ways of governing, and I believe those new ways will emphasize the local and the regional over the national or the international.
Mr. Obama will preside over the potential restructuring of all our systems, some of them in ways he and his supporters have not imagined.
UK traffic levels fall for first time in decades: Motor firms head for crash
GM staring into abyss as industry seeks help
End of suburbia – Australia-style
At specialty garage, woman makes hybrids even greener
Internet revolution that elected Obama could save Earth: Gore
Obama likely to tackle energy early on
Al Gore group urges Obama to create U.S. power grid
