I was reading Dan's blog the other day called "Our World Is Ending..." and I was thinking about how people perceive all my rants and so forth about peak oil or climate change, human greed and corruption, etc... And, it can get pretty depressing if you look around and see all the bad stuff. There's plenty of it. I think there are a lot of changes that can be made in the world for the better, including the western world, and I probably complain a lot about the so called project of civilization. But, I'm not a "doomer". I'm actually pretty optimistic. I'm not optimistic that we will be able to continue on doing things the way we're doing them regarding our access to cheap oil. And, I think there will be some major discontinuities coming in the world because of our deep dependance on that access to cheap oil. A big part of me however, welcomes those changes. Such as, getting back to a simpler way of life, pruning our competitive edge a little, being happy with what we have and being in tune with nature and our local communities. Maybe coming realities will force me to adjust my thinking on that, and I reserve the right to change my mind as more facts become available. However, I think we can benefit (when all's said and done) from a world without cheap oil.
Something to think about... the natural worldIn any case, that's peak oil... I'm actually not optimistic that we will do anything substantial to stop climate change. Not, that we shouldn't try. We can. It is possible, but I just don't think we have the will, as a civilization, I mean... The majority of us (or, at least the ones in control) are too myopic. Of course, I personally do a lot to reduce my carbon dioxide emissions. But, like I have said before (and it's not a cop out) it's the governments and corporations that need to take the lead on this. Afterall, they are the oligarchs of society. But, it's up to us citizens to pressure them to do that. Social change comes in baby steps (usually). That can come through reducing our demand for consumer goods. We don't have to be a "consumer society". Democracy doesn't end when you mark your X.
I think the post peak oil world can be better in many ways... in the spirit of Transition Towns, an inititiave in Ireland and the UK that is putting forth a better way, a local way. Also, check out Post Peak Oil Living, where you can register to do courses that will inform you and prepare you for a life without cheap oil.
So, while I know there will be discontinuities and I assert that we won't be able to sustain this fast paced life as we know it, I remain optimistic that post peak oil living can be preferable to living in a world of plentiful oil. The keys are learning how to grow and preserve your own food, having access to clean drinking water and friends, family and things that keep us together, give us an outlet of expression, such as music, art, science and philosophy.
You may have noticed that I put up a couple of 'widgets' on the right of the blog. One is an up-to-date oil price graph. The other is a weekly show called the "Kunstler Cast", by author James Howard Kunstler. Jim, along with Duncan, its host like to talk about, among other things, suburbia, peak oil, art, social issues. It's a really well done show and fun to listen to also. Check it out here. There is a new episode every Thursday.
Peace,
Grant
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Check out the KunstlerCast, below