Joined: Jun 02, 2004 Posts: 1078 Location: Bristol, UK
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
In an attempt to engage with the electorate, last year the UK Government launched an e-petitions service on their website. One petition focused on peak oil, it read:
Quote:
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to acknowledge that global oil and gas supplies are peaking and will soon decline; a situation requiring immediate action.
Today the Government has responded.
Quote:
The Government fully recognises that there is uncertainty around the issue of future global oil and gas production. However, on the balance of the available analysis and evidence, the Government's assessment is that the world's oil and gas resources are sufficient to sustain economic growth for the foreseeable future.
As the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes in its 2005 publication, Resources to Reserves - Oil and Gas Technologies for the Energy Markets of the Future, the key problem is not the limit of geological oil resources: "The hydrocarbon resources around the world are sufficiently abundant to sustain likely growth in the global energy system for the foreseeable future". Rather, the challenge lies in bringing these resources to market in a way that ensures sustainable, timely, reliable, and affordable supplies of energy.
In this context, the 2007 Energy White Paper (new window) noted (paragraph 1.18 ) a number of risks to oil and gas security of supply and prices, including factors that could defer or restrict investment in energy production and hence lead to slower-than-expected growth in production. However, the current high oil prices are already providing incentives for strong investment in alternative sources of transport fuels, such as non-conventional oil and biofuels, and driving energy efficiency improvements in the way the world consumes oil, e.g. in transport vehicles. Governments are also taking action - internationally and domestically - in support of this.
For example, as set out in the Energy White Paper, the Government is putting in place policies that will help ease the UK economy away from power supplied primarily through fossil fuels as well as bringing about reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Our strategy is to work to liberalise international markets, create the right environment to attract investment in exploration and infrastructure and, through measures to improve energy efficiency, and our ongoing commitment to renewable and other low-carbon technologies, help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels .
The Government has also launched the Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy (new window) setting out a wide range of actions Government is taking to encourage innovation and technology development in lower carbon transport technologies.
On The Oil Drum here. _________________ "Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen." The Emperor (Return of the Jedi)
The Oil Drum: Europe
Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 12024 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
Quote:
However, on the balance of the available analysis and evidence, the Government's assessment is that the world's oil and gas resources are sufficient to sustain economic growth for the foreseeable future.
That's quite a statement.
Maybe they foresee the future only in terms of a few years... _________________ "...powerdown so soft and fluffy you'll think you're living in a pillow..." - jboogy
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:16 pm Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
crap, it's not the rocks after all. It's just a question of investment and making sure our policies are understood. Anyone else still think these clowns are peak oil aware?
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:37 pm Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
clv101, I doubt that any government is going to explicitly acknowledge that we are at the peak. Governments just don't do that, especially if they have a banking industry that would disappear in a financial panic. They are saying they know we have to move away from fossil fuels. It's all "Sir Humphrey" language:
"No HM government does not believe PO is happening now, nor is it expected in the foreseeable future; yes we are going to promote efficiency and move the economy away from fossil fuels (at least provided we don't upset any drivers doing it)."
In practice they won't do very much that is actually very useful, but they will do things that are visible and "feelgood" without inconveniencing anyone very much. A bit like the way they deal with road "safety" (ie, they serve the heavy lorries and the boorish drivers who are the cause of most danger, and get tough on pedestrians and cyclists instead).
After seeing Northern Rock, I am pretty sure that they will do nothing until it is too late to do anything very much (it may already be that late).
Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 1734 Location: kiwibush
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
In all honesty what can the government do...can you see the bedlam there would be were any government to ration the confectionary...look at Burma and the Monks! If resource deprivation can get buddhists into a lather, what hope does your average drone have. _________________ Bugger me, I hear oil's runnin out mate!
Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 1734 Location: kiwibush
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
KrellEnergySource wrote:
americandream wrote:
In all honesty what can the government do...
They could represent the people and speak honestly.
Yes....but can the people handle honesty...do they want to hear the honest truth...viz that the good old days of ample consumption and leisure are over...can your family handle that stark message...go tell them the truth! And see what the responses are likely to be. Or are you afraid to for fear of losing what little you have! _________________ Bugger me, I hear oil's runnin out mate!
Joined: May 06, 2006 Posts: 833 Location: Tustin, CA
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:24 am Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
clv101 wrote:
As the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes in its 2005 publication, Resources to Reserves - Oil and Gas Technologies for the Energy Markets of the Future, the key problem is not the limit of geological oil resources:
Quite frankly, after reading this sentence I didn’t need to read any more (see my Carl Sagan quote below).
I can see my English speaking brethren in Britain (there are fewer and fewer of us here in California) are just as screwed as Americans are. I hope the “experts” who say Britain will not freeze because of global warming when the Gulf Stream stops functioning are right.
If not, please migrate to America so I can still speak to someone in my first tongue. _________________ Skeptical scrutiny in both Science and Religion is the means by which deep thoughts are winnowed from deep nonsense-Carl Sagan
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 3:54 am Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
The hydrocarbon resources around the world are sufficiently abundant to sustain likely growth in the global energy system for the foreseeable future". Rather, the challenge lies in bringing these resources to market in a way that ensures sustainable, timely, reliable, and affordable supplies of energy.
This is the telling part, they sold ours off (read: wasted it) now they want others to do the same to save their bacon.
Typical 'Globalization' response from a bunch of morons. _________________ "One minute I held the key, next the walls were closed on me, and I discovered that my castle stands upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand."
Joined: Aug 17, 2005 Posts: 576 Location: Portugal
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:50 am Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
Twilight wrote:
crap, it's not the rocks after all. It's just a question of investment and making sure our policies are understood. Anyone else still think these clowns are peak oil aware?
They are aware. But put yourself in their shoes. Would you say the petitioners are right and that we should take immediate measures? Can you imagine what would happen? Chaos everywhere, to say the least.
People have to be accustumed to the idea of change slowly, especially when it means lesser quality of life.
Two things can happen: either 1. a slow transition in mentalities is possible or 2. events will precipitate a fast transition whose consequences are unforeseeable.
A government must do its best to prevent 2. from happening, but acknowledging peak right now might just be what it takes to provoke it.
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:43 am Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
whereagles wrote:
Twilight wrote:
crap, it's not the rocks after all. It's just a question of investment and making sure our policies are understood. Anyone else still think these clowns are peak oil aware?
They are aware. But put yourself in their shoes. Would you say the petitioners are right and that we should take immediate measures? Can you imagine what would happen? Chaos everywhere, to say the least.
People have to be accustumed to the idea of change slowly, especially when it means lesser quality of life.
Two things can happen: either 1. a slow transition in mentalities is possible or 2. events will precipitate a fast transition whose consequences are unforeseeable.
A government must do its best to prevent 2. from happening, but acknowledging peak right now might just be what it takes to provoke it.
Actually, I think they are "true believers" in their econo-political idealogy. I'm not saying there aren't individuals in government who know the score, but like us, they are marginalized or feel impelled to remain silent on the issue. It really is a very strong taboo to point out the lack of clothes adorning the emperor.
Joined: Apr 06, 2006 Posts: 2959 Location: 3 miles NW of Champoeg, Republic of Cascadia
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:33 am Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
The US congress has a peak oil caucus. You'd figure they'd go to them for some guidance, rather than following the IEA around blindly. Don't know how much further you'll get without empty pumps. _________________ Cogito, ergo non satis bibivi
I'm just gonna find a cash machine.
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:28 am Post subject: Re: UK Government Response to Peak Oil Petition
sjn wrote:
whereagles wrote:
Twilight wrote:
crap, it's not the rocks after all. It's just a question of investment and making sure our policies are understood. Anyone else still think these clowns are peak oil aware?
They are aware. But put yourself in their shoes. Would you say the petitioners are right and that we should take immediate measures? Can you imagine what would happen? Chaos everywhere, to say the least.
People have to be accustumed to the idea of change slowly, especially when it means lesser quality of life.
Two things can happen: either 1. a slow transition in mentalities is possible or 2. events will precipitate a fast transition whose consequences are unforeseeable.
A government must do its best to prevent 2. from happening, but acknowledging peak right now might just be what it takes to provoke it.
Actually, I think they are "true believers" in their econo-political idealogy. I'm not saying there aren't individuals in government who know the score, but like us, they are marginalized or feel impelled to remain silent on the issue. It really is a very strong taboo to point out the lack of clothes adorning the emperor.
I agree with the above. They really do believe in the market. They are not self-censoring, they genuinely believe. OK? Mention it to an elected representative, and their confusion and surprise is for real. They don't spend most of their day dealing with macro problems. They spend hours, as do office workers across the country, micromanaging problems that do not require much attention.
The aware people have no public recognition. You will find them at the periphery of government, on advisory committees and in professional organisations. They can ask all the questions they like, they can write all the reports they want, hold consultations to their hearts' content, ultimately if they don't tone it down, a question mark is raised over their reliability. "Is he sound?" It does not pay to be alarmist, though at this point a wake-up call is required.
So the urgency of the situation never really gets through. And it will not, until the crap hits the fan somewhere so bad that those with the power to make decisions want a briefing. Who, by the way, were probably not in their current office only a couple of years previously. That's the other problem. In government, portfolios change too quickly for anyone to acquire a meaningful depth of knowledge and learn the results of their input. The officials who make it onto TV and radio are simply highly skilled at bluffing about the extent of their knowledge.
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