Surviving Peak Oil HQ

I first heard about Peak Oil in 2002 and, like almost everyone, dismissed it as as yet another variation of the doomsday cults. Then in 2004, when Shell revised its reserves downwards by 20%, I began to take it seriously. Very seriously. Do I have definitive proof that Peak Oil is a bona fide short term threat? No, but there is a great deal of compelling evidence to support the position that the prudent should be preparing for it. My personal belief is that the rear view mirror of history will show that we hit the top of Hubbert's Peak in late 2005, as a few well-regarded experts have stated.

There are two typical reactions to first learning about Peak Oil: denial or a sense of hopelessness. Most people opt for the former after first dismissing the news with nothing more than, "Don't worry, someone will come up with something to make it go away." (Unfortunately, they confuse technology with energy which are not the same thing. Technology without energy is like a Ferrari with an empty gas tank.) A minority digs deeply into the available research material and then sinks into a sense hopelessness.

I have passed through both stages myself--albeit quickly.

There are two typical reactions to this news: denial or a sense of hopelessness. Most people opt for the former after first dismissing the news with nothing more than, "Don't worry, someone will come up with some new technology to make it go away." They ignore the fact that technology runs on energy. Technology without energy is as useless as a Ferrari with an empty gas tank. A minority of people digs deeply into the available research material and then sinks into a sense of hopelessness.

There is, however, a third way to respond. We can recognize the fact that we can use Peak Oil to finally take a proactive role in shaping our lives and communities as the world enters into power descent, rather than merely being passive victims. To avoid doing so is to forfeit a watershed opportunity to shape our and our children's future for the better.

This is what Karavans is all about: creating a positive vision for tomorrow and acting towards its implementation. In a time of rapid change and dramatic transformation, Karavans will serve as a hub for disseminating new ideas, information, tools, and techniques for those committed to acting proactively.

Specifically, Karavans will cover unlocking of the food supply, moving off-the-grid, renewable energy, self-sufficiency, community and local economy building, ecological design, permaculture, and other matters germane to sustainable life-styles as the world powers down.

Right now, we are building relationships with others interested in taking a proactive role in preparations. My background is in business and getting companies up and running. I have also had a strong interest in and passion for CED (Community Economic Development) dating back almost 20 years. My other strong point is in working with the media. If you'd like to explore the possibility of collaborating with us, let me know. Here's my email. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur with a new renewable energy product, a writer covering Peak Oil and environmental issues, or an artist exploring the creation of new memes for a world in energy descent, we have room for you.

If you just want to stay informed for the time being, sign up for the Karavans Newsletter and Alerts.

Comments

[Conor]

I'd like to talk to you about something we have in the works. Would it be possible to have a quick telephone chat?

[Peter]

Sure, just send me an email and we'll set up a time.