[charliebrownout]

I'm trying to even out my attitude, but not having much luck.

So, I'm going to ask the opinion of others on Peak Oil--both pro and con.

What do you think the best arguments are FOR Peak Oil?

Who do you think the most credible proponents of PO theory are?

Who do you think are the least credible?

Conversely....

Who do you think offers the best argument against Peak Oil?


Just asking. I'm still pretty convinced. The evidence seems to be mounting in one direction. Still, I just want to ask others more familiar with the topic.

This isn't to say I'm not looking on my own. I've gotten a little obsiessive lately (not my norm, btw). I'm a little worried about the state of my own mental affairs for it.

Nevertheless, I hope no one minds me asking. I just want to see what you think.

[Ludi]

Not sure what you're asking... by "con" do you mean not believing in the peak in oil production - that oil will continue to be produced at greater and greater amounts forever?

Most geologists are pretty sure oil is finite. That's the best argument for peak oil, that oil is a finite resource.

[charliebrownout]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ludi', 'N')ot sure what you're asking... by "con" do you mean not believing in the peak in oil production - that oil will continue to be produced at greater and greater amounts forever?

Most geologists are pretty sure oil is finite. That's the best argument for peak oil, that oil is a finite resource.

[benzoil]

Among those who support the idea of a near term peak in oil supplies, some of the best work I've found online has been posted over at theoildrum.com. WestTexas, Kebab, Robert Rapier on the heavy lifting science side. These are the guys you can thank for the "Export Land Model", which shows that exports from producers will decline faster than overall production. I've heard this mentioned once or twice in more mainstream outlets with no credit.

Matthew Simmons has great "establishment" credentials and his work Twilight in the Desert" remains a critical piece on PO.

For entertainment, direct folks to James Howard Kunstler. I find his writing acerbic and entertaining, but he ticks off alot of people. Some of his ideas are genuinely useful, however. Some of his predictions, less so.

As for "less credible supporters of PO", I'd say Mike Ruppert, which is a shame, because he was out there before anyone else on it, but his opinions on 911 will alienate mainstream critics of PO. His 'From the Wilderness' site was required reading for a long time.

As for those who would debunk Peak Oil, I have no idea who's credible. Anyone who mentions abiotic oil is instantly discredited, as is anyone who thinks we can grow enough biofuel to keep things going as is.

Hope this helps get things started. I'm sure everyone has an opinion and I haven't even mentioned half the people who's opinions I value.

[charliebrownout]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('benzoil', 'A')mong those who support the idea of a near term peak in oil supplies, some of the best work I've found online has been posted over at theoildrum.com. WestTexas, Kebab, Robert Rapier on the heavy lifting science side. These are the guys you can thank for the "Export Land Model", which shows that exports from producers will decline faster than overall production. I've heard this mentioned once or twice in more mainstream outlets with no credit.

Matthew Simmons has great "establishment" credentials and his work Twilight in the Desert" remains a critical piece on PO.

For entertainment, direct folks to James Howard Kunstler. I find his writing acerbic and entertaining, but he ticks off alot of people. Some of his ideas are genuinely useful, however. Some of his predictions, less so.

As for "less credible supporters of PO", I'd say Mike Ruppert, which is a shame, because he was out there before anyone else on it, but his opinions on 911 will alienate mainstream critics of PO. His 'From the Wilderness' site was required reading for a long time.

As for those who would debunk Peak Oil, I have no idea who's credible. Anyone who mentions abiotic oil is instantly discredited, as is anyone who thinks we can grow enough biofuel to keep things going as is.

Hope this helps get things started. I'm sure everyone has an opinion and I haven't even mentioned half the people who's opinions I value.

[benzoil]

Remember not to confuse researchers with popularizers. Kunstler doesn't have the credentials of Deffeyes, but his book, "The Long Emergency", was my first intro to the topic of Peak Oil. Ruppert might be a bit out there, but his website was my first intro to Dimitri Orlov, who's writings about the collapse of the Soviet Union I find quite interesting.

As for "End of Suburbia", I still find it a decent intro to the topic of PO. I fell asleep during "A Crude Awakening".

[charliebrownout]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('benzoil', 'R')emember not to confuse researchers with popularizers. Kunstler doesn't have the credentials of Deffeyes, but his book, "The Long Emergency", was my first intro to the topic of Peak Oil. Ruppert might be a bit out there, but his website was my first intro to Dimitri Orlov, who's writings about the collapse of the Soviet Union I find quite interesting.

As for "End of Suburbia", I still find it a decent intro to the topic of PO. I fell asleep during "A Crude Awakening".

[RedStateGreen]

Every oil field undergoes a peak then a decline. The US as a nation experienced peak oil in 1970, after which time we've had to import more and more oil.

When we can't pump any greater flow as a planet, the global oil production will go into decline as well. Only problem is there's nowhere left to import it from.