by Paulo1 » Sat 28 Dec 2013, 11:38:06
Hi Graeme,
I do understand and I agree with your 4 point list direction, to be honest. I believe that this will unfold on its own, and that exhortations will not persuade people to change until they reach their own epihany moment. Their conclusions may or may not jive with many of us on PO.com. A very interesting post would be to ask forum members what was their peak moment, (epiphany/realization, if you will)?
I have a brother who is often a radical environmentalist, quick to protest and be angry, often very dismissive of other people's way of life. In fact, it can be quite irritating. He and his wife are extreme birdwatchers which is a past-time well in synch with their environmental values; except they would often fly around the world to all manner of places to indulge their passion. They would stay in eco-resorts. One day, when they were smugly talking about their Prius, I mentioned that jet travel made a mockery of what they proclaimed of value...and left it at that. They still did a few more trips, but this year it stopped and I actually heard them remark that continued jet travel was bad for the planet. I think it finally came about when I mentioned that my wife and I were not planning on traveling in our retirement, that we were trying to focus on the wonders of things where we live and in our new found spare time spending more time growing our own food and enjoying doing so. Soon after that they stopped the airline bookings. It may or may not be linked to our discussions, but it may have been.
The oil industry is far from a faceless evil entity trying to keep us hooked. It is us, the consumers, and the people I have known over my lifetime who have worked in the industry and continue to do so. These are some of the finest people I have known, including my son who heads back north on New Years day. Their values are as strong and worthwhile as anyone's, and it won't change with calling the industry evil and listing site by site examples of what is wrong or damaging. Until we reduce our consumption and change how we live, the industry will continue in full force. The electric or hybrid car still requires a huge amount of FF for its construction and development...and to continue driving around in our contraptions thinking we are doing right and 'living the good life-fighting the good fight' is an indulgence. I submit, that my continued recycling of my 27 year old 4 cyl pickup, and using it very little, is a better environmental decision than scrapping it and buying a new computerized hybrid, working another year (commuting) to pay for it, and continue to live the old wasteful lifestyle often referred to as BAU lite. Something doesn't fit with a 30-40,000 dollar computerized hybrid pickup used to haul firewood for my woodstove with the pre-heat water coil, or to slog into the neighbours sawmill for a load of locally cut lumber.
Clearly, with WTI hitting $100 yesterday, and Brent higher, our economy will never be the same. It is an old sick cancerous debt fueled mess destined to break down in one way or another. When it does, there will be much to deal with including reduced lifestyles. I don't pretend an ability to predict what will happen beyond my own current choices. We live 50 miles from a small city of 35,000 people. We live approx. 100 miles from Vancouver, a realtively well behaved and wealthy city, drug gang shootings, notwithstanding. We will live no closer and continue to limit how often we shop in town and limit what we buy. As events unfold, it will dictate how much more we change. I expect that is what others are doing as well. meanwhile, it is more important for me to get along with family doing the best that they can , than tell them what they are doing is wrong and/or telling them what they should do with their time and money.
We need to lead by example, and explain and help when asked to do so. Some of these fine sites and blogs are great and positive beings.
regards...Paulo
