In class we discussed the definition of peak oil as being the point where we are using more oil than we are extracting. We are past our limit yet still using oil like its an endless supply. So if all of what Heinberg states in his book is true why do we continue to do this? If the country and world is in such an oil crisis, wouldn't you think that the government would step in and warn the public or is it up to us to discover this information for ourselves? The truth is if you ask the average person about the oil crisis, they probably would have no idea what you were even talking about. So is the government really afraid of what might happen if they address this issue or do they just not care?
In class we talked about taking a risk vs. being safe. So is the government simply being safe, a decision that most of us would chose ourselves or is it all for the profit? "Not only were many policy makers themselves -- including the President, Vice President, and National Security Advisor -- former oil industry executives; in addition, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief petroleum-futures guru, Matthew Simmons, had warned his clients of coming energy-supply crises repeatedly" (Heinberg, 95). Is this still the case that exists today? Would the government really put on a smile and act like everything is okay just for their benefit? Honestly, I think no one really knows the truth and there are simply too many mixed statements and information for anyone to come to a real conclusion.
"Today, we are an oil-based civilization, one that is totally dependent on a resource whose production will soon be falling" (Brown, 27). Why when we have such luxurious life styles would we want to give ANYTHING up? Yet if it really comes to it, how much are we as a country and as individuals willing to give up? I know personally, I would be lost without my cellphone, my car, basically all the things that I take for granted. Will we simply risk our lives in order to keep the pleasures that most of us now consider necessities or will we really take a step towards downgrading our overall society? If we do take this downgrade how drastic would it really need to be in order for our civilization to survive?
Personally, I think if everything we've been learning about is really true and is going to occur in our lifetimes, then it will take everyone working together as one to really change. Yet the real question remains, how could a population of over six billion possibly accomplish this? How would we change? Truthfully, I have not the slightest idea and am not even sure this is possible but I do know it would take a lot of sacrifice and trade offs. Would solar and wind power become our primary means of energy? Would cars, busses, trucks, and all means of road transportation fail to exist? In the end, I really have not the slightest clue but hopefully someone, somewhere has the answer.
- Brown-Plan B 3.0
- Heinberg-The Party's Over
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