oil

I am very aware of the long term consequence of this hydrocarbon excavation game. The longer term outcome of humanities love affair with oil will be catastrophic. Two phrases come to mind; peak oil and climate change. One of these is going to change your life forever (but not in a nice way). Peak oil will damage the world economy to such an extent that great depression of the 1930s’ will look appealing. Climate change will do the same but with a pile of consequences that will wiper out a bigger chunk of humanity. My best guess is you will find out which within the next ten years.

If you don’t understand the implications of peak oil I suggest you Google it (set bullshit detector at maximum). If you don’t understand the consequences of climate change then visit an area 300km closer to the equator than where you are now during a storm. If you live within 50m above sea level don’t rely on property investments in your local area for your children’s future (the sea wont rise that much but its impact will).

Currently I am betting on peak oil but recent reports suggest the climate tipping point may have already been reached. Certainly peak oil will occur within the next ten years (some experts think it may have already occurred). The world is big so even if we are past tipping point you wont get globally catastrophic effects straight away. So maybe it is an even bet.

My great shame is that I am directly involved in this and have known that both are real threats for a long time. I can not claim ignorance. I have read about and studied both subjects deeply. I believe the consequences will be bad. I also understand what has to be done and yet have done next to nothing about it.

Do not mistake my involvement, yes I work in the oil and gas industry but no that has nothing to do with my culpability. I do a job that helps extract hydrocarbons, it is only my job. My work does nothing to change the twin threats. My guilt can be found in my life style. I have helped set the conditions that allow this game to thrive and continue to be a threat to humanity. I have happily consumed my way through thousands of barrels of oil, untold tonnes of coal and gigajoules of gas.

Yes this is personal. I can not lay blame on politicians or corporations. Corporations naturally behave psychotically where maximising profit and share price is the focus. Governments are at the service of the corporations while paying lip service to the people. I have no illusion in that regard.

My power is as a consumer. If my consumer choices had of made it profitable to supply low emission low energy products and services then some company would have gladly supplied me. The world would be a safer place. If a few tens or hundreds of millions of others across the globe adjusted there consumption like wise then there is more than enough power to change the world for good.

This is what it comes down to. Don’t expect big business to change because it is the right thing to do. Don’t expect governments to work in the interests of anyone but big business (and you will suffer less outrage as a benefit). Don’t cry that your weren’t told. There is no hidden agenda. It is all very simple. All the information is out there and easy to get at.

So there are two simple choices. Play the end game and drive a Humvee or, if you believe it is not to late, make it profitable for companies who offer products and services that support a low energy lifestyle. If you really want to stir up trouble invest your savings in one of the ethical investment funds. The only way to save the world is sitting in your back pocket.

As a side benefit the longer it takes to deplete the world oil reserve the longer I have a job. hehe