Peak Oil: Energy Education

An observation worth noting … and pondering, from Jesse Parent:

Energy at times is most easily seen through its manifestations or consequences: the environmental impact of the BP oil spill or pending Keystone XL pipeline, or the economic impact of US domestic shale gas production or advanced  nanotechnology R&D. Of course, the price of gas, and transportation in general. These can provide a tangible foundation for dialogue, but the broader, inherently global context of America’s energy situation needs its own special attention. Transitioning from a culture of blame and neglect to sober understanding and responsibility is likely not something that can come from an administration, particularly given the current political climate. An understanding that sustainability is not merely some matter of environmental concern, but an imperative of cold facts and impersonal logistics, is necessary. It will take courage and intellectual rigor to move past the conveniences of political rhetoric, finger pointing, and the overshadowing of vital energy issues by more accessible (but more tangential) news trends, but doing so is part of accepting the responsibility that enables choosing the best future – for our country and our planet.

It’s been a recurring theme here at Peak Oil Matters that it will not be enough for us to rely on leaders—political, industrial, or media—to handle the looming energy challenges.

Yes, production is on an uptick largely because of fracking and the adding of other “liquids” to our crude oil production totals. “Uptick” is not what we should be counting on, given that some of those pesky fact-things which rarely get mentioned in the rosy scenarios offered suggest that tight oil is not nearly the answer everyone hopes it is, and which fewer insist is so.

If one listens to oil industry leaders, it’s nothing but blue skies and sunshine forever and ever. Costs, inferior quality, environmental concerns, and those annoying rapid depletion rates are just some of the facts conveniently omitted in public comments. Most media personnel don’t know enough on their own to question the statements, and political leaders dare not reveal what they know, unless retirement looms.

So the uninformed public, with more than enough to concern themselves with as is, are left to rely on the soothing commentary offered by well-financed shills. It’s a strategy that works right now, but half-truth and disingenuous propositions—like the fossil fuels they discuss—have finite shelf lives. When the more widespread reckonings come, there will be a lot of finger-pointing and blame to go around.

The problem is none of that will help. We’ll all be that much further behind in making plans for energy transitions and lesser supplies, with less funds available, and fewer options. That is not exactly a winning strategy for any of us.

Public information about our energy supplies and the facts about fossil fuel production and associated factors are not limited to just the Happy Talk which is featured most often. The full range of information and facts—pro and con—are just as readily available. We all need to take a little bit of time to become better informed about crucial issues that do impact us. We may not be experiencing too many tangible, daily signs that Peak Oil is upon us, but the process is in motion.

Better we know about it a day early than a day late. That’s another choice we still own.

Peak Oil Matters