Erasmo Calzadilla
We’re thus in a hopeless situation, doomed to collapse and/or war if we don’t know how to consensually confront and manage the looming decline and initiate an active, intense and decentralized energy transition towards “other possible worlds.”—Ramon Fernandez Duran
Nevertheless, people go around leading their lives confidently. Most believe that when it’s time, the companies that monopolize energy production will take care of finding substitutes. However, when we analyze the alternatives (nuclear and renewable sources) in relation to what’s being exhausted (the planet’s ecosystems), things start looking ugly.
Others believe that the disaster will indeed occur, but not in the immediate future (is there anything in the universe more tenacious than mental inertia?). They warn that the current crisis could be the beginning of a deep and resounding crash that will be in full swing by the end of the next decade.
Nations (especially the rich ones) hold in their hands the resources and power to undertake a less dramatic transition, but it doesn’t seem that we can expect a hell of a lot from them. Their tendency is to escape forward, betting on technology and preparing for the battle over the last few drops of that coveted oil.
The mass media also help spread the bad news; and the longer we delay taking action, the more likely it is that the crisis will lead to chaos – presenting a great opportunity for the owners of the powder kegs.
Similarly, alternative media networks, prestigious scientists and activists have spent years researching this issue, alerting and providing practical advice about how to avoid the worst case scenario. Individual and (especially) collective actions could help mitigate the impact and aid in the development of a healthier civilization.
I’m particularly concerned about the fate of Cuba. How prepared are we to face this new hurricane? I’ll discuss that in my next post.
In the meantime, I’m leaving some links for those who wish to deepen their understanding.
I especially recommend two works by Ramon Fernandez Duran:
El crepúsculo de la era trágica del petróleo
Quiebra del capitalismo global
Also see:
The Association for the Study of Peak Oil & Gas
Congreso Internacional pico de petróleo: ¿Realidad o ficción? 2011
El agotamiento de las reservas de petróleo y las energías alternativas.
The Alhucema Solidarity Initiatives Association based in Seville, Spain also sends medical supplies to Cuba.
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