2005 Is Shaping Up As the Worst for Extreme Weather

[Robin]

Because of the oil crisis in the '70s a serious effort was undertaken in the US to find alternate energy sources such as wind and solar. It looked really hopeful, but the crisis was over too quickly, followed by an era of the cheapest oil ever - which put a stop to all alternative energy funding.

If the investment and development had continued the US would have over 50% of it's power from renewable sources by now - unfortunately, though, it's less than 1% today.

Amazingly the US still refuses to sign any carbon emission reducing treaties. In fact I doubt that the US will *ever* do anything while there is still cheap oil (and at under $100 a barrel it is darned cheap for the power you get from it).

As the US govt has stated "The US way of life is non-negotiable". OK, fair enough, but forward planning would have kept the way of life and made the US less dependent on the Middle East to boot!

And now global warming means we'll need to burn more oil than ever to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. It's a vicious circle that will only end when the oil's gone.

[Dravyk]

You summed that up very well, Robin.

Likewise, after the famous Carter-era lines at the gas stations, there was this great sudden spur of innovation. And then, as you said, nothing.

I was a great proponent of ethenol. Two birds, one stone. Farmers wouldn't lose their farms, cheap fuel. So good a plan it never really happened. I say "was", because while I really am still for it, the hydro-hybrid, full-hydrogen and electric cars are all taking off at last. And the only thing I can think of better than dripping out a tail pipe than corn oil is water!

Btw, anyone have the time schedule for Mideastern oil depletion? Only one I know for sure is Bahrain runs out around 2016.