http://www.physorg.com/news7297.html

Since so many people can effectively implement successful, diverse small scale alternatives such as growing their own biodiesel fuel, growing their own crop of choice for bioethanol fuel, converting their cars to electric motors and various electricity sources, etc., it will be interesting to see how the policy process reacts. Given the long term political change processes, and potentially shorter (possibly MUCH shorter) technology change processes, the population might wind up leading the government on this one.

If the issue of "Peak Oil" is resolved, then alternatives are the only viable option outside the draconian measures of "lifestyle changes", a concept few Americans will find acceptable.

Despite official denials of Peak Oil production, the numbers certainly tell a different story. World Oil production peaked in 2001, less has been pumped every year since, and it looks like Hebberts prediction are a fact. Given increased consumption and demand, the overriding limiting factor is the price mechanism.

Considering that the present political power structure is directed by those that have detailed knowledge of the world oil situation, we must conclude that in fact, Peak Oil is upon us, given our military adventures in the Middle East. They have it, we need it, and we're going to get it. Remember, very little oil has been pumped out of Iraq in the last ten years. It sat there embargoed while the rest of the world sucked up everything else in sight.

Higher prices mean less oil consumption and make alternatives more attractive. I don't see most people in cities growing their own biofuel on the balconies of their high rise condos.

The future will entail a blend of expensive oil, less expensive alternatives and the otherwise unacceptable concepts of "lifestyle changes". Those that embrace lifestyle changes will be comforted in the fact that it is the least expensive of all the options and the easiest to pursue.

Looking at the typical American lifestyle today is an exercise in observing waste, blight, consumption, debt and foolish use of land resources. Living 20 to 30 miles away from ones place of employment, entailing a daily trip in traffic is one of the most idiotic ideas of all the American lifestyle.

Every day, Americans probably burn enough fuel stuck in our endless traffic to power a medium sized Third World nation. This is above all, a lifestyle choice, but as of yet all Americans see are commercials for faster, more pricey automobiles to inhabit those snail pace freeways. But that will soon change.

Peak Oil is here. Believe it now and make preparations or suffer the consequences later.

Yes, time for limitation is cooming soon, better give up on that big car, better give up on energy entinsive "things" like lights, gas, houses and yes, even food! The reason for my negativity is because the American people generally do not care about tomorrow, rather spend it on the fashion (of tomorrow). When I try to post about energy solutions, they say "don't give me that techno stuff...
So is there any hope for wing generated electricity and hydrogen? will the price be cheaper than the loss of gasoline?
Robert

It is funny how everyone has bought into the "peak" production theory of oil. Frankly, even if it is true, it is irrelevant. The wheels of change are under way and new technology will change our lives forever. We will likely have new technology to replace oil before oil is used up. Just like with wood being replaced by coal and coal being replaced by oil.

The US could reduce our oil imports by 50% if we would only increase our mileage standards to equal Europe or Japan. The advent of LED lighting will likely reduce America's power plant production requirements by 30% from existing levels within ten years. Our energy requirements will likely grow as the economy grows but efficiency delivered via ingenuity is already showing up. Even cheap oil will not stop the new solutions as there is now a recognition that global warming MAY be aided by humans and those who can afford to buy less invasive technology will do so for this reason alone. Even shale oil, tar sands oil and liquified coal are so enormous in North American reserves that it dwarfs the middle east. It may require $35 oil to be profitable to mine or drill it but the technology already exists to exploit it.

Oil may remain high in price given the risk premium on where it comes from: the most unstable places on earth, but that will abate when alternatives are fully entrenched in our society.

I could go on and on and on but the point is clear. It doesn't matter if oil production has peaked. What matters is that America lead the new technology revolution in energy. Let the house of Saud rot in the desert and we can get the hell out of there and let the cultures of the middle east resume their thousand year killing spree of one another.

America is a junkie on oil. It will fight till the last moment for it. Being a superpower has its own troubles. While Europe and mainly Germany, Nederlands, and Sweden turn to solar, hydrogen technology , US will pass more laws to ensure its oil flow.