by ki11ercane » Sat 20 Sep 2008, 01:01:06
I think one possible answer is people discuss what is affecting the world today rather than what would affect the world 5-50 years from today. The postulated effects of Peak Oil are not directly affecting the daily life of anyone in any of the countries that people post from here. There aren't any spot food, fuel, or utility shortages as a direct result of Peak Oil. Oil isn't anywhere near in price where it was two months ago. (and it's trending down, not up) People are still consuming at an insane rate no matter how broke or credit strapped they are or how expensive staple goods have become. Out of all the drivers on the road in April, only 4% less are driving right now. The list goes on.
If the postulated effects of Peak Oil are currently in motion, no effect has been felt that the general populous is noticing. They are barely noticing the government hijacking their tax dollars to bail out bad decision loans of their neighbors or of businesses and literally taking the LAST STEP in saving the economy. Really, what options are there AFTER this?
Of the basic issues possibly related to Peak Oil (gas prices, food prices, transportation, and energy) people are still driving, eating, moving goods around, and keeping the heat and lights on and are only grumbling about the costs. Remember out of 6.6 billion people on the planet, only 60,000 of them are here talking about it. Ten percent of ten percent of ten percent of ten percent of ten percent. We're surrounded by the Sheeple.
What is relevant right now is the U.S. market is in trouble and the U.S. government just gambled it's Citizens tax dollars to save itself. If this doesn't work out, Peak Oil will be a non-issue for at least another decade when North America emerges from it's financial slump. (and maybe the rest of the world for that matter) Oil consumption will be offset by the hundreds of millions of poor, displaced, and financially decimated people, businesses and possibly whole countries.
Oil prices as to where they were 8 weeks ago at $147.00 a barrel seemed to have nothing to do with Peak Oil issues. The world suddenly didn't stop consuming 30% less oil and/or it didn't increase production by 30%. The markets dictated the price, and it will again. One big problem now is that higher prices are entrenched in fuel and food and soon to be utility energy prices and it's VERY hard to retract them if the general population accepts paying for them.
Overall I think other than prep discussions from the long standing members of this board, PO has taken a back seat.