ODAC Newsletter – Apr 18
A digest of news and commentary from a UK peak oil perspective.
A digest of news and commentary from a UK peak oil perspective.
James Howard Kunstler is America’s version of an Old Testament prophet, a stinging social critic who warns of dark days ahead if we do not change the way we live. (Interview)
ON A HOT DAY in July 1942 Joseph Stalin summoned before him a young mining engineer named Nikolai Baibakov. The supreme leader of the Soviet Union pointed out an obvious fact to his visitor. German armies were advancing into the Caucasus towards the strategic oil fields near Baku. Then came the dramatic gesture.
Stalin pointed two fingers at Baibakov’s head and said, “If you fail to stop the Germans getting our oil, you will be shot.” Then Stalin added “And when we have thrown the invader out, if we cannot restart oil production, we will shoot you again.”
A new poll finds that majorities in 15 of 16 nations surveyed around the world think that oil is running out and governments should make a major effort to find new sources of energy. Most think that future oil prices will be much higher.
It would be nice if the world were really like the EIA oil supply models! Also: If you expect that plug-in cars will save the day, you may want to check out what the electricity people are saying about the current state of electrical supply.
The discoveries during 2007 of Carioca in BM-S-9 and Sugar Loaf in BM-S-8 within the Santos Basin, as well as other discoveries in the region, are very significant in that they confirm the potential of the sub-salt play originally identified in Tupi (BM-S-11) in 2006. Tupi pointed to the potential of the area for further oil and gas accumulations buried beneath a layer of salt and these wells confirm that potential.
Surge in NG price stoked by new global trade
Pickens reverses position to bet on higher oil prices
Middle East crude exports set to double in 2030
How not to prepare for peak oil
What future awaits Russia and the world after oil
The Economist: Is there really an ocean of oil off Brazil?
Jean Laherrère: Hydrates updated
Petroleum Geologist Jeffrey J. Brown at UCSB
6 ways to profit from ‘peak oil’
Why do oil prices keep rising?
As long as most of us cling to the hope that high gas prices will go away or that a painless silver bullet that will solve our energy problem is just around the corner, few candidates for public office are ready to propose what are thought to be “painful solutions” to our problems. They still shoot messengers.
The end of air travel as we know it
Byron King: the automotive energy revolution
Two pedals, three feet: Give bicycles some space
Review: Energy in Nature and Society
Hansen’s letter to governor Gibbons of Nevada (fossil fuels and climate)
EROEI series: Tar sands and shale oil