What Will the Peak Look Like?

As I began to learn about the science and statistics behind peak oil, it quickly became undeniable to me that civilization is in a bind.  We're all addicted to oil, and a painful "detox" is about to be forced on us by our own inability to plan for the future.  Oddly, it brought me a sense of comfort to at least see the danger that lies ahead, even as I also realized that peak oil was unavoidable.  However, a pair of nagging questions would always pop up in my mind after every article I read or interview I watched.  What will life be like as we descend Hubbert's Curve?  And when will it become obvious that the collapse has begun? The answers I discovered are what prompted me to turn from investigation to action, from just learning about the upcoming transition to taking concrete steps and preparing for it.

Know Your Enemy - pt 2

Let's state a couple of facts:

• The United States of America is financially insolvent.  
• The European Union is bankrupt.  

Are you shocked to hear it?  If not, congratulations.  You have a leg up on this discussion.  Please skip down to the second half where we'll discuss how this mess is the product of peak oil.  All you doubters, sit up straight and pay attention.

Know Your Enemy - pt 1

     Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be in a coma for several years and suddenly wake up?  Pretend for a minute that you hit your head in 2001 and when you open your eyes again, a doctor is telling you it's 2011...ten years have passed.  Here's what your conversation might sound like:

Step 1: Remove Head From Sand

     The first step across the dividing line is always the hardest.  When confronted with an uncomfortable situation, our instincts are to fight or flee.  This is natural.  In western society, and American society in particular, we are trained from birth to avoid unpleasantness if possible and to kick its ass if it won't leave us alone.  Many of the people who find this website will read a post or two and click away in a) disgust/anger/annoyance, b) confusion, c) fear or d) apathy.  That's to be expected because the ideas we're going to discuss here are not warm and cuddly - but I think they're important.  So before we dig in, I'd like to give you a few tips on how to read my posts without feeling the urge to launch yourself off the nearest tall building.

What line and why?

     About 7 months ago, in the process of filling up our Netflix queue, my wife picked a movie called "Collapse".  I think it's fair to say she has regrets about that decision now.


If you haven't seen the movie:
     1)  I recommend it.
     2)  It's about peak oil.