Michigan conference on peak oil and climate starts May 30

The coming crisis in the oil supply is one of three key topics to be covered at a conference bringing together national experts on “peak oil”, climate change and an environmentally friendly and sustainable economy. The conference is scheduled for May 30 – June 1 in Grand Rapids.

The disconnect between oil reserves and production

Looking at published oil reserves, it is easy to get the idea that huge amounts of oil are left to be extracted, and that peak oil should not be a concern. Examining the situation more closely, we discover that published oil reserves aren’t that helpful in predicting future production. Evidence suggests that oil shortages may not be many years away.

Relocalizing Eden

The bioregion defined by the Willamette River watershed in Oregon is one of the most bountiful in the United States. The agricultural picture of the Willamette Valley, however, has been turned inside out in the last 25 years. Nearly everything we eat comes from some place else. (Case study)

The elephant in the room

The UK has until recently been one of the most resilient economies in the world. Over the last 100 years, it has survived two world wars, staged spectacular economic recoveries, been blessed with energy resources, and evolved from manufacturer to the world into a service economy. But the position in which it now finds itself looks bleaker.

Lump sums

Coal, so long the Cinderella of fossil fuels, is not just in demand but in desperately short supply. The world’s biggest producers and exporters are struggling, and the price of imports to Europe has doubled. Does this mean lower emissions from coal and less danger from climate change?