Confessions of an ‘ex’ Peak Oil Believer

[dr_doom]

Because it's geological problem and, therefore, they can't actually do anything to stop it.

The most serious implications of peak oil (mass starvation) in my mind are primarily an economic and political problem.

Even if we had all that wizzer drill and pumping tech, each well would, in turn peak, once you've sucked out half of the contents. Please explain how this is a situation that has been "engineered"?

I know all the arguments for peak oil like the back of my hand, like I say I don't have an issue with the concept that oil being a finite resource and eventually peaking.

What I do have a problem with is the idea that this is somehow my fault for eating / driving a car / going on holiday / insert other activity here.

Please define what you mean by "free" energy.

Energy on which there are no constraints on the amount you use;
i.e. costs no money, and/or is extremely cheap.

[syberberg]

The most serious implications of peak oil (mass starvation) in my mind are primarily an economic and political problem.

Ah, you mean the problems that peak oil will cause then, rather than peak oil itself. Yes, I agree there, governments should be doing as much as they possibly can to mitigate and educate about that.

I know all the arguments for peak oil like the back of my hand, like I say I don't have an issue with the concept that oil being a finite resource and eventually peaking.

Sorry, just needed to be crystal on that.

What I do have a problem with is the idea that this is somehow my fault for eating / driving a car / going on holiday / insert other activity here.

Fair point. It's something that we're all guilty of, to varying degrees. But that's the nature of this screwed up, oil-based civilisation in which we live.

Energy on which there are no constraints on the amount you use;
i.e. costs no money, and/or is extremely cheap.

Oh good, because for a moment there I thought you might be advocating perpetual motion machines or some other nonsense.

So on those points I agree with you. As for the rest, well, I think it best to agree to disagree (to a certain extent I disagree with your POV, but not entirely) and leave it there as I see no real point in having another round of pointless circular arguement that doesn't get anyone anywhere further forward.