where it’s at

Heat
For the first time, he demonstrates that we can achieve the necessary cut – a 90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 – without bringing civilisation to an end. Combining his unique knowledge of campaigning and environmental science, he shows how we can transform our houses, our power and our transport systems. But he also shows that this can happen only with a massive programme of action which no government has yet been prepared to take.

We’re obviously living with the energy production plateau now. Pretty sure we’ll get the opportunity to experience blue skies in 2030, by which time global hoarding will have kicked in, barring massive and racially suicidal exploitation of the oceanic methane hydrates. Ninety percent reduction in carbon emissions is a reasonable outcome of ongoing depletion of accessible reservoirs. Apologies to those expecting a linear outcome on the downslope, that is an unlikely scenario.

The question is, will a humane, sustainable and humble civilization be in place by that date?

It is said that an octopus will sometimes gain in intelligence right before it dies. Carbon human is almost dead, with one chance to wise up before kicking the bucket. Everything that is valuable, everything we care about, must be decoupled from carbon fuel sources, or it won’t be coming with us.

Peak oil is a backdrop, a true natural limit, begging a response. Yet there is no ethical or moral response to peak energy as such, it being simply a kick in the pants.

Here is our bloody energy. We will spend it. How?

George Monbiot has some ideas. Get onboard. Pick nits on the way.