What’s in your future as oil prices rise?

The ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed by the volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD and the majority escaped. But 3,300 people died during the 24-hour eruption, even though there was ample time to flee. Similarly, we see people staying in the path of hurricanes and dying. Humans often fail to appreciate a dangerous situation, make a poor decision and perish. Explaining some of the dangers that exist in our energy supply may help people make better decisions on their future.

About two years ago, my first columns looked at peak oil and the gradual decline of oil production that would be coming soon. A shortage would raise prices dramatically and affect our ability to buy gas for our cars, heat our homes and have a job. It’s not exactly the same urgency of Pompeii, but quite serious. The author Jim Kunstler calls it “the long emergency.”


I remember discussing peak oil with the management of Saint John Energy. Their response was similar to the average man in the street – denial, belief that more oil will be found, or that human ingenuity (some technical solution) would conquer the problem.

Today peak oil is sending a few tremors through the economic system and while more people are aware, the majority are not. Many people sense we’re in trouble but haven’t connected the dots. I’m going out on a limb to make a few more predictions for the coming years. There is a range of outcomes based on our response to the problem, from bad to horrible. If you don’t want to know, please turn the page and have a good life.

Telegraph-Journal