[LadyRuby]

Now there are quite a few peak oil books out there. Is there anything like a general concensus on which tend to be more pessimistic versus optimistic in terms of how we'll cope with peak oil? Since I know I won't have time to read them all I'd like to get a sense of how they compare (maybe read one that's more pessimistic, then one that's more optimistic, etc.). Thanks!

[RonMN]

The video "End of Suburbia" was neither optimistic or pessimistic...it was very "matter of fact" and i would suggest it. It points out things like how america is dependent on canada for 15% of it's natural gas...but that same 15% to america is over half of canadas production...and nat' gas is in decline in north america.

Only problem is...you have to watch it like you're in a theatre...if you're chit-chattin' you'll miss 90% of what they say.

[bobbyald]

I haven't read them all but I would say Richard Heinberg was an optimist because he suggests that there is a solution. His book "Powerdown" was an interesting read and most of what he says is correct but Powerdown goes totally against what we know of human history and evolutionary biology.

Richard knew that his suggestion that humans can break their genetic programming was a huge stumbling block and it's virtually the first thing he discusses in the "powerdown" chapter. His evidence and conclusions relating to how we might do this were sadly lacking (especially to those that have studied this topic) and I believe it shows the enormity of crisis we face when this is still our only hope.

I know others will argue that we must remain optimistic, and to a point I agree, but all the real evidence supports severe resource wars and environmental disasters.