Peak Oil -- And What Do We Do Now?

Debate on "Peak Oil" and choosing a new Global Paradigm

This group's purpose is to debate the “peak oil” phenomenon and its inevitable aftermath, and how we can help shape a post -petroleum future. This is a global phenomenon and this is a global group. Peak oil is the point in time at which the maximum global petroleum production rate is reached. After this point in time, the rate of production begins a termi ...learn more

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Peak Oil Information Network Discussion Forum > The Long Emergency by James H. Kunstler

Created: Jan 07, 2008
Updated: Jan 29, 2008
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Topic: The Long Emergency by James H. Kunstler

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DanaW about 1 year ago

I'd be interested in others' views of Kunstler's book on peak oil and its aftermath. I thought it was a good wake-up call, and worthwhile for opening up the topic for discussion. America needs this book because so many of us are asleep, not particularly bothered by $3 gasoline and expecting free market relief. A more nuanced approach to such a complex issue might have been even more helpful, though. For example, surely we won't drop off the peak directly into apocalypse, as Kunstler would seem to present it. Surely we can expect some period of transition, during which traditional economic laws like supply and demand might pertain, and system adapt to new limits.

What do you think? Anyone else read this? (P.S. Does anyone know how this place works well enough to put up a photo of the book for this topic?

DanaW

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octavee about 1 year ago

Hi Dana,
I read this book quite a while ago. I thought it gives a great overview. I also read some of Heinbergs books on this topic. I believe it could be a traumatic transition, but who knows. It depends on so many factors. I think we have to act now with community building, downsizing our lifestyle and reevaluating our lives. Part of the problem is that our energy consuming lifestyle and our economy is dependent on cheap oil or cheap energy.
Unfortuanetely we need to more focus on solutions ather than have more books on describing the problems.
Octavee

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DanaW about 1 year ago

<<we need to more focus on solutions rather than have more books on describing the problems
Amen!
And more intense concern, so that we can all work together on such solutions. The press, the government, business--we're all so complacent, "sleepwalking into the future" as Kunstler says. Downsizing our lifestyle is not something Americans are used to. We did it when forced to, e.g. during the Great Depression and during WW II, but waiting till we're forced to by the unavailability of energy will be too late this time. You read about a very few agencies like Connecticut (see http://www.aspo-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=246&Itemid=91 under Energy Briefs #5) that are beginning to wake up. Three cheers for Connecticut, and may they wake up the country. We need another kind of Paul Revere -- but isn't that the whole point of WiserEarth? Let's get active, folks, and help our neighbors look past next payday. Thanks for writing, Octavee, I was beginning to despair of this group.
Anyone else?
Dana

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Peak Oil -- And What Do We Do Now?

Debate on "Peak Oil" and choosing a new Global Paradigm

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Topic: The Long Emergency by James H. Kunstler

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