by Revi » Sat 22 Nov 2008, 21:49:01
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('shortonoil', '[')b]seahorse said:
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'O')n an individual level we all need to conserve in every way shape and form. Conserve means become more responsible, more self reliant. Simplicity in thought and action.
Asset prices are declining. Stocks, bonds, real estate, used cars, furniture, art, everything. Banks are holding $ trillions in loans backed by assets, and these assets are declining in value. The banks are losing huge sums of money on the loans that they hold, so they are reluctant to issue further loans. The monetary/financial system is coming apart.
This is the onset of a deflationary depression; the collapse of debt based fiat currency. Debt based fiat can not be maintained in the post Peak world and will fail.
The
Available Energy model indicates that the US will reduce its energy usage by 28% over the next five years. If we do it willingly it will prevent an economic disaster from happening. If we don't our economy will come crashing down.
Like you say, few see this as an energy problem. Even though we could reduce our energy usage as needed, and do it while other needed energy sources are being developed, our lack of understanding will almost insure that we don't.
The irony of Peak Oil is that in spite of it grave ramifications, it will not have to have happened like it will!
I agree with you guys completely. We can easily live a great life with 28% less of everything, but we are going to choose not to. We are going to try to keep the growth going by burning the furniture. It's not going to work. I have hopes that Obama can institute a green economy, but there are too many knuckleheads out there that won't go for it.
I would love to be proved wrong.