Energy Watch Group, a Berlin-based energy think tank last week said global oil output peaked in 2006 and will decline by seven percent per year, drawing a bleaker picture of energy supplies than other forecasts.  They report that oil production will fall by around 50 percent by as early as 2030, leading to economic and social upheaval.

Earlier this month I attended the Eco Show in Taupo, New Zealand and heard three presentations by Richard Heinberg, international expert on Peak Oil.  (I also go to take him out to lunch on Sunday which was a terrific experience!).  Richard is clear that Peak Oil has come and gone and we are now moving to an era of energy depletion that will dramatically change the face of how most humans live on the planet.  As he says we must recognise our addiction to oil and begin the withdrawal process as soon as possible.  I recommend the book “Power Down” by Richard Heinberg, if you are brave enough to want to know the truth.  Other information is available on www.postcarbon.org Post Carbon Institute.

There are alternatives to living the way we do.  Our grandparents did it.  I remember my grandmother in England.  She lived through World War II and all the attendant rationing by having her own garden, chickens and was the local black market supplier for pork and ham.  I’m not suggesting you have pigs in your back garden – great manure for the vege patch (vege patch you yell!) – but your neighbour will probably be upset, particularly if you live in the city!  Instead we need to collectively find solutions to the impending (and already here!) problems we face.

Richard also talked about Transition Towns – they have arrived in NZ, go check out the website www.yesterdaysfuture.net/blog/?p=42  for more information.  You too can begin the process of converting your community to a Transition Town!  This sort of process is where much of our solutions lie – galvanising a community or a bunch of communities to work together creatively and plan effectively for the future.

Once we have our own backyard sorted, we can focus on what we can do to help other countries/peoples understand we are all in it together.

As Margaret Mead said “A small group of thoughtful and committed people could change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”