DURANGOKID'S BLOG
Earth That Was
Friday, December 14, 2007 2:49 AM
We're living the Earth That Was. This is the heyday. Energy is still cheap, resources are somewhat plentiful, most UnitedStatesians have what they need to get by. There are some changes in the wind. It's now known that conventional oil peaked in May 2005. In about three years unconventional oil will do the same. When petroleum production does enter the phase of inevitable decline, what we know as "normal" will cease to exist. We'll all live Mal's hard scrabble existance, but it will all play out on Earth That Will Be. Those inhabitants of the Earth That Will Be will have to live within their means of renewable resources and solar flux. And they will be us. No doubt the "have mores" who have the most will form an Alliance and that alliance will merge with a Blue Sun Corp. We see it in the increasing privatization of government and the commons. Will those unable to discharge their debts end up like the Mudders? Will others form enclaves headed by the likes of Patience or Rance? When the fossil energy goes, we'll be forced to rely on are hands and heads to make a go of it. Not all will adapt. Not all will even find enough to eat. There will be scavangers, smugglers, traders, and others on the edge of the law. We may all get to be a Mal, a Jayne, or a Kaylee for real. I would recommend reading "Peak Everything" by Richard Heinberg. He seems to have the best take on what's to come when non-renewable resources are finally exhausted. The times will surely be interesting.COMMENTS: 2