Peak oil presentation makes case for renewable resources
John Kaufmann, Senior Analyst for the Oregon Department of Energy and lead staffer for thePortland Peak Oil Taskforce gave a compelling presentation yesterday on peak oil (see PPT Presentation). In the next few years it is very probable that demand for oil will exceed production worldwide. Kaufmann predicts a dramatic and negative impact on environmental sustainability and the transportation of people and stuff within our immediate future.
While Kaufmann is sounding the alarm for energy conservation, the mayors of Vancouver and Portland are supporting a new 12-lane bridge over the Columbia River? Is this a wise use $4 billion dollars?
Kaufmann’s presentation included data about energy return on investment. Oil, a valuable commodity, is not easily replaced. A unit of wind is not equivalent to a unit of oil. Not only does wind have a significantly lower energy ROI, it doesn’t fit into the gas tank. The lessons from this presentation: (1) our most important task is to reduce our demand for oil because the cheap fuels with the densest amount of energy are running out, and (2) we need to build an appropriate infrastructure that enables us to use less energy, enables us to use renewable energy and that the choices must be carefully and thoroughly considered before decisions are made.
An audience member pointed out that climate change and peak oil are two systemic problems that require the same solution: energy efficiency and renewable energy. Inevitable increasing oil prices have a clear and immediate impact on society. Jobs are affected. Social services are affected. Food prices increase. The problems are all connected. So is the solution. A 12-lane river crossing does not serve the public interest long term.
Kaufmann’s message was powerful: we must act! Now! Natural Step Network Members suggested that a corps of volunteers, similar to The Climate Project, be educated to lead others on the issues of peak oil. It was also clear that members must all be politically engaged, pressuring government and business leaders to address these issues now.
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