Think small on energy
Energy policy in America has suffered from big ideas. A step in the right direction is rejected because it is not a leap; the dream is for all problems to be solved at once or not at all.
Politics
Politics after the Peak
Before the oil age comes to a complete close, let’s hope someone rehabilitates Jimmy Carter as one of the most prescient Presidents ever to hold the office. Congress might even rename an airport for him — just before it is shut down forever.
Solutions & sustainability – Apr 20
Alternative hedonism might just lead us to fulfilment /
Here comes the sun – links /
Bill McKibben: The hope of the web
Environment – Apr 20
UK scientists attack oil firms’ role in huge Arctic project /
Global warming sparks a scramble for black gold under retreating ice /
While Washington slept (why we’re late on climate change) /
California tackles greenhouse emissions
Other energy – Apr 18
The week in sustainable mobility /
Kevin Phillips interview: America under the influence of oil /
One billion cars
Planning, policy, strategy, and energy (part III)
It is important to discuss energy in terms of developing a true “energy policy and strategy” for a future characterized by declining supplies of crude oil, dramatically higher costs for the stuff, and immensely more political friction both home and abroad. Despite whatever sense of motion you may see within the U.S. leadership cadre, my opinion is that U.S. energy policy and strategy is unfocused and inferior to that of certain other nations.
It’s time to start planning
Where to start? The answer to this one is easy. Governments at all levels must start planning, planning, planning for what clearly is to come — be it in five months or five years.
Envisioning a hamlet economy: topology of sustainability and fulfilled ontogeny
If the average American could live the “good life” of living in a stereotypical Tuscan villa, and if they are shown how they, too, CAN have this lifestyle, then people will literally flock to this structure. Ultimately, this is a POSITIVE vision of the future—not a reversion to feudal serfdom, but a progression to a more egalitarian and human-compatible life…
Environment – Apr 12
Global warming threatens extinctions /
Lyin’ tamer (“Ask Umbra” on global warming) /
Climate change and the media, reality and the future /
Coal plants’ renaissance pits energy vs. pollution /
Schwarzenegger speech today could put California in forefront of climate change efforts
Energy secretary quietly dismantles Energy Advisory Board
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman has quietly disbanded the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board (SEAB), the department’s “principal independent advisory board on scientific and technical matters,” reports Nature magazine.
Environment – Apr 7
Review: “The Weather Makers” by Tim Flannery /
Climate researchers feeling heat from White House (censorship) /
UK Times: Do nothing? You cannot be serious /
Fossil fuels threatening sea life /
Progress in fighting air pollution might apply to CO2 /
Policymakers need grassroots impetus on climate change /
Laurie David takes global warming to the mainstream
Peak oil – Apr 6
Historian on M. King Hubbert /
Security: power to the people /
Powering down in rural Alaska /
Kunstler on growth /
Chilean commentary on energy crisis /
The New World Oil Order (links)
