[SoothSayer]

I have researched this Peak Oil business in fair detail over the last few weeks.

I understand a lot of the technical etc issues and gradually came to the conclusion that a slow economic downturn was all that would happen over the next 10 years or so.

However over the last few weeks Cantarell & now Saudi are being reported as peaking/declining.

Russia & Kuwait are also doubtful.

More and more TV & radio programs are mentioning our energy problems.

My recent researches also indicate that the fabled Candian tar sands and the Orinoco bitumen will be very, very useful long term but won't really save the day in the short term.

The world LNG capacity situation is also a bit fragile, despite huge potential reserves.

Just for fun let's add huge balance of payments implications for increasing fuel imports to the mix.

And don't forget Bush & Rice's recent comments on energy problems.

Throw in global warming and China's attempts to find energy supplies worldwide. And let's not even think about Iraq or Iran ...

All in all I am reaching my "tipping point" and may be about to turn into a rabid "doomer" ...

So, the big question: are I really beginning to understand the situation ... or have I simply overloaded myself with Peak Oil books, CDs and forums?

Perhaps I should take my life back and simply forget all about Peak Oil until it bites me on my derriere!

[emailking]

I would argue that such concern is justified on your part, but no one really knows what will happen when.

[SHiFTY]

Nah, its always like that around here. X might be in decline, Y is soon to decline, I heard that Z will not happen etc.

Wait until you get the hard numbers 'in the rearview mirror', then start worrying. Most mathematically inclined analysts expect 2010 or a bit later.

Still not really that long, but the end is not nigh, just temporarily postponed

[killJOY]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'S')hould I really move from mild concern to serious worry?

[zberry]

I have.
In fact, getting ready to go see a family counselor. My wife insisted after I suddenly began talking constantly about dangers of Peak Oil, insisting she watch End of Suburbia, read Matthew Simmons papers, etc.
So yeah, I think it is time. What signs are you seeing that mild concern is still the appropriate emotion?

[RonMN]

My vote is for you to take your life back but DON'T forget about PO.

There are real dangers developing...just look at the gasoiline prices rising right now (or pensions vanishing...or jobs vanishing...etc.) but there is no need to panic...prepare instead...and LEARN!

Start to be more satisfied with less...one doesn't need to gorge themselves to have a full meal...but that's not what the people around you will agree with.

[Pops]

Definitions for worry:
1. To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled.
2. To pull or tear at something with or as if with the teeth.
3. To proceed doggedly in the face of difficulty or hardship

I really like no-3, so if by worry you mean to proceed doggedly to prepare for the possibilities you think might be coming down the pike then I say go for it!

OTOH if you are simply allow the knowledge to worry at you (as in def. no-2) then I'd say forget about it.