A Life Without Oil: Focusing on Self-Sufficient Energy

The end of oil is already beginning to emerge. Black gold is pervasive in our societies, used mainly by the transport industry through the products of petrochemicals and plastics. However, we have to learn to do without oil. What would a society do without oil?

Our civilization is very dependant on oil. This is the first economic worldwide crisis, where it is felt everywhere around us, whether in transport, industry or chemicals which provide the raw material, plastics to pesticides. Resource scarcity and rising oil prices will radically change the landscape dramatically, making us having to learn to live without oil or at least seriously restrict its use. It is a challenge that requires both a deep transformation of our behaviour and a technological revolution which is still in its infancy.

Less Transportation

When talking about oil, the first use that comes to mind is that of transport. As regards to automobiles, none of the alternatives proposed so far produced comparable results. Either for cost reasons or for environmental reasons ethanol would not be sufficient to meet current needs. It will therefore necessary to reduce the distances travelled, and opt for new modes of travel like cycling for short distances and using train for longer trips.

This revolution will lead to that of urban planning. Cities will need to be redesigned to encourage proximity. In return, you will breathe better! Telecommuting should also be encouraged to develop.

Because of rising fuel prices, the relocation of industrial or agricultural production will cease to be profitable. Today, most products we consume in fact make a complex circuit before landing in our shopping cart. As for tourism only the wealthy can continue to enjoy good weather at the other end of the world. For others, the rediscovery of our regions is on the agenda!

More efficiency in Industry and housing

Two other sectors that are especially greedy for oil are industry and housing. Fuels produced from the black gold are indeed employed in many areas, from cement to glass through the production of electricity. The latter in turn heat the buildings, whether collectively or belonging to private individuals.

For all these uses, the main motto is that of increased energy efficiency. To maximize efficiency we have to reduce losses, enhance self-sufficiency, better insulate buildings and rationalize production processes. Research has to be on the increase and magnetic refrigeration processes has to be explored. This will be an innovation that will better respect the environment! Self-sufficiency is an even more ambitious program: to generate our resources from renewable energy sources like wind, solar and biomass.

Sources:

http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/