by MonteQuest » Wed 14 Feb 2007, 11:42:18
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('NWMossBack', ' ')So what timeframe does seem possible given that PO is upon us?
If peakoil is upon us, none. Not to transition to any possible replacements for fossil fuels and keep the economy of the world somewhat intact. Have you read the Hirsch Report? It maintains that we need 20 years pre-peak to mitigate peak oil...and
not with renewable energy or conservation/efficiency, but EOR, Heavy oil / tar sands, CTL, and GTL.
In a nutshell, "While greater end-use efficiency is essential, increased efficiency alone will be neither sufficient nor timely enough to solve the problem." "Production of large amounts of substitute
liquid fuels will be required."
The "chance" we have is if we powerdown..downscale everything we do. Restrict per capita energy consumption, and reduce our population. In other words, a paradigm shift in the way we view the world and our expectations of growth.
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'M')y opinion:
It will not be business as usual!!!!Will there be suffering & hard choices?
Yes. Will capitalism survive in the same form we have today?
No. Will we burn through the coal, environment be damned?
Yes. Will population growth continue unchecked?
No. Will anything ever replace oil in the manner we use it now?
No. Is a solution currently evident?
No. Will one emerge within a decade or two? Maybe.
I agree, but not with regard to population growth. Population demographics and basic biology dictate that the population will continue to grow even in the face of declining energy and food.
It is called "overshoot." We are already there. This is why the peaking of oil will precipitate a population crisis.
If 45 % of the developing world's population is 15 years of age and under, how are you going to stop them from giving birth when they reach reproductive prime? Even with ZPG starting today, the population will still grow.
How we will emerge on the far shore after the "Long Emergency" remains to be seen. Read my earlier quote from Harrison Brown.