Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Smil is well-respected in the world of energy, so I think it is worthwhile looking at what he has to say about peak oil, because it may give us some insights as to where our thinking needs to be refined, or better explained, if it is to be understood by the “mainstream”.
We have seen a surge of interest and concern from military analysts on the issue of future oil supply, especially during the past five years. Unfortunately, there is very little evidence of concern about peak oil (and therefore no action) from civilian authorities, despite the accelerating trends and increasing warnings from credible military researchers.
– In Los Angeles, people come out to play when streets are closed to cars (video of CicLAvia)
– There’s safety in numbers for cyclists
– 7 Rules for Sustainable Communities – British Columbia edition
The world watched last year’s climate talks in Copenhagen with hope and trepidation. We spent the past two weeks following the ICAO Assembly, the aviation sector’s climate talks in Montreal with equal anticipation. Unlike Copenhagen, there was little coverage, and very limited civil society participation. And now that it’s over, despite most partiescalling it a success, we have to conclude that it’s bad news.
How green are electric cars?
Political debates and party platforms rarely talk about public transportation, but it’s one of the most basic and important things governments can do to make life better, both in the USA and in any country where officials are cutting back such services.
– After peak oil, peak steel?
– How air-conditioning is baking our world
– Planes Don’t Kill People – Plane Exhaust Does
– Western Lifestyles Plundering Tropics at Record Rate, WWF Report Shows
TOD co-founder Summers blogs on talks on EROEI, military, economics and transportation.
– Transportation: The Leading Edge (ASPO-USA talk)
– E-Car Scheme to Tackle Permanent Congestion in Paris
– Going Car-Free? It’s On Us, Says Hoboken
– In Arabian Desert, a Sustainable City Rises
– Google tests cars that drive themselves
– Riding Bikes with the Dutch – Movie Trailer
– Dude, Where’s Your Car? (Hollywood and bicycles)
– Can pop culture push sustainable mobility?
– Why Building a Bike-Safe City Is Key to a Clean Energy Future
– Krugman: Transit economics
TOD’s contribution to Honda’s “Racing Against Time” thought leadership series.
– French towns swap rubbish trucks for horse-drawn carts
– Swiss Solar boat heads on around-the-world voyage
– Zero Emissions Race – 30 days around the world using renewables
– Does (European) Social-Democracy Have a Future?
– The Soot Road: Travelling along one of most polluted energy corridors on Earth
