Short takes

Part I: A Micro Peak Oil Model
Given that (1) I don't much like that Lynch uses depletion analysts as romper room punching bags, and (2) that we can do better on an understandability level than the logistics curve, I propose my own model which uses a minimal set of assumptions.

Looks like this article should be a candidate for inclusion in the next ASPO newsletter.


shipping security
It has often been noted that international trade will become more costly as the price of shipping fuel increases. I believe another factor will also increase shipping costs: security.

Things get complicated as oil becomes pricier than bottled water. Complexity is a weakness without cheap energy. NeonTetra just started blogging and has a unique take on energy issues, worth checking out.


NRC Unanimously Rejects Atomic Waste Deregulation
Environmentalists cautiously praised the decision. “The NRC clearly backed down from this crazy idea because it recognized the firestorm of public concern that would be triggered,” said Daniel Hirsch, President of the Los Angeles-based Committee to Bridge the Gap (CBG) that has fought such radioactive deregulation proposals for years. “The public doesn’t want radioactive waste in their local garbage dump, children’s braces, or tools.”

A little context, before we cut the cake and toot the horns: NRC needs to keep the profile of nuclear issues low; the Bush administration is trying to get fifty new reactors licensed and the operating lease extended on almost every nuclear plant in America. So – this is a short term tactical move by the NRC. In 2020, so sorry, you will get radioactive frying pans. American ingenuity.


Rumsfeld warns Asia officials of China's military advances
"China appears to be expanding its missile forces, allowing them to reach targets in many areas of the world, not just the Pacific region, while also expanding its missile capabilities here in the region," Rumsfeld said. "Since no nation threatens China, one must wonder: Why this growing investment?"

One boggles at what Rumsfeld hopes to achieve by taking China to task on military spending. It isn’t like his rhetorical question is hard to answer.


New UN atlas reveals environmental devastation
The huge growth of greenhouses in southern Spain, the rapid rise of shrimp farming in Asia and Latin America and the emergence of a giant, shadow puppet-shaped peninsula at the mouth of the Yellow River are among a string of curious and surprising changes seen from space.

Environmental devastation? Not in my back yard. I don’t see what all the fuss is about:

- Are bananas still yellow when ripe? Yes.
- Is the sky still blue? Check.
- Do frogs still have penises? Uh oh.