Another Peak Oil Thread

[cryokinetic]

http://science.slashdot.org/science/06/02/16/0251210.shtml
It's always hard to sort through the bullshit with issues like this. My stance on the issue is irrelevant. I just couldn't find the original peak oil thread, so I made a new one.

[Biff_Loman]

The bullshit is about passing the peak or not. Logically we have these realities:

1) Finite amount of oil in the earth
2) Demand for oil continually increases

Eventually we're going to hit a peak. How far off are we? I'd like to think that if the peak were close, the major governments of the world would be discussing nothing else. :rofl:

Whatever. My suspicion is that we can't count on our leaders, unfortunately, so sometimes this oil peak is of great concern to me.

Edit: I'm sorry for stating the obvious.

[Biff_Loman]

This is one of Sheepdog's obsessions, so I hope he chimes in. Is he around anymore?

[Biff_Loman]

I've described my thoughts on peak oil in the past, but I must say that although I'm concerned, I'm not "worried" these days. I was, at one point, fairly convinced that we'd march blindly into the void, perhaps even sparking a third world war for oil that would inevitably end in a nuclear conflict.

I keep thinking to myself that, when the energy crisis hits, energy will be everyone's pre-occupation, and occupation. In the event of an unanticipated shift to a new economy, everyone will end up doing their part revamping the energy industry. Huge numbers of people that are currently doing essentially useless things will be designing, selling, manufacturing, delivering, installing and maintaining energy facilities. As well, there's a whole new energy-efficient transportation infrastructure to build.

In terms of real-world wealth, I imagine we'd be a lot poorer. We'll have less material and less energy. But I think that, in economic terms, there will be huge opportunities for the individuals who are willing and able to rise to the challenge.

[ptGatsby]

http://www.hubbertpeak.com/deffeyes/


He's been publishing scary stuff sin 2001 (before?). IMO, fear maker.

I haven't actually read the study yet though, so I'll do that. I wasn't impressed by his other 'predictions', however.

[Biff_Loman]

bump

[ApeTheDog]

The last I heard, we hit peak oil already.

Things that are happening right now, that indicate we've hit it:

- the USA invading Iraq, and Iran soon.
- Scandinavia starting up a plan to become completely independent of all oil.
- Bush saying america needs to stop being addicted to oil.