Reply #25: Facts support half of that, and I agree with your conclusions of a path forward. [View All]

So I have some respect for the optimism and intentions you have. Your objections to "peak oil theory" (which is after all just the description of how a finite resource runs out over time) seems to center upon its "chicken little" aspects - that is, the behaviors of many, as opposed to the array of the facts.

As it is, the behaviors have been largely dramatic over the past few years in the face of popular indifference. In the 70's, for instance, I was a vocal supporter of Carter's conservation measures, and concerned that US oil was diminishing and dependence on foreign oil was a prelude to much war. Few would now say that was incorrect, but it was at the time a minority position which was voted out of office and consigned, temporarily, to the dustbins of history. Through the 80's and 90's responsible energy policies have been entirely sidelined in favor of cornucopean expansion without any vision of an endpoint.

What we are in the midst of now is a realignment of the narrative. Energy issues are hitting every wallet and are front and center on the geopolitical stage. People like Kunstler who have been very vocal about the nature of the emerging problems are now switching gears to a "calm down" mode, as they find that shouting is not necessary when people are actually listening. What is needed is efficiency in the use of what we have, transitional technologies to end dependence of fossil fuels, and perhaps a new paradigm for the future which we now may not be able to envision.

The differences in perspective are slight, and the goals are the same, so don't be too hard on the "fruitcakes on the woodwork" - in most cases, we are on the same side.