Peak Oil - Rethinking Your Travel

A friend of mine sent me an article yesterday, Peak Oil 101. Basically, this article argues that if peak oil experts are right, the end of cheap fuel for internal combustion engine cars is closer than we think and we cannot afford to wait for the consequences to hit before we take the necessary action.

Peak oil is the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum production is reached, after which the rate of production enters its terminal decline. The consequences of peak oil are potentially very serious and will reach into every area of life.

At the very least this could lower living standards in developed and developing countries alike, and in the worst case lead to worldwide economic collapse. With increased tension between countries over dwindling oil supplies, political situations may change dramatically and inequalities between countries and regions may become exacerbated. Although undoubtedly serious, I don’t wish to cause dejection, there are very possible and exciting solutions to deal with our world-wide oil decline. What is absolutely evident however is that we must all take equal responsibility for the development of effective alternatives.

Because most oil is consumed for transportation, much of the discussion regarding mitigation of oil depletion center around the development of transportation that uses less oil, or require much less than used by current vehicles. Today, these include the application of public transport, high fuel efficient hybrid vehicles, bicycles, diesel vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Almost everyone is involved in some form of direct travel everyday – wether it is travelling to work, school, shops, to entertainment or to sport. We can all do our bit to push the development of these alternatives. I am not suggesting we all must go out and purchase new more sustainable vehicles right away. Personally, I cannot afford to buy a hybrid vehicle at present – although I would love to. What I can do is educate myself – as the article says, we cannot solve a problem until we know we have one. I can walk, use my bicycle, catch public transport and car pool as much as possible. I can talk to friends about this and help them understand. I can lobby government and business to do more. I can do a lot without having to spend a thing. We can all do a lot – we just have to realise this and take the necessary small steps to acknowledging that we are all responsible.

Further interesting information –

What you can do

Peak Oil & Climate Change – what we can do better

For an interesting example of a society forced to experience peak oil, the Soviet withdrawal of support to Cuba after 1989 precipitated an oil crisis which forced food rationing, a major shake up of public transport  and agricultural systems. "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" is a documentary about how Cuba faced this crisis. Soon it will be our turn for the crisis. How ready are you? How ready are our governments?

Comments

[Michael Dwyer]

Well said.
I can't yet see that the Rudd budget recognises Peak Oil or not, time will tell.
There appears to be opinion forming that the peak year was 2007. It seems to have come forward a bit. Certainly the oil contract buyers and speculators have recognised it.
We are now entering a period when prices will fluctuate up and down dramatically but always with a general upward trend. This was predicted some years back.
Regards MDwyer.