Issue 18
A Personal Take on Peak Oil
by Corinna Frenzl
The term peak oil was first coined by M. King Hubbert. It refers to the peak amount of oil produced. In 1956, Hubbert first predicted that oil production would peak between 1965 and 1970 in the United States. The United States' oil production did in fact peak in 1970, as Hubbert had forecast, but it went largely unnoticed because we merely shifted from domestic to foreign sources. Over the last century, the rate of production, namely extracting and refining oil, has grown; however, we will reach the halfway point of all oil reserves and production will start to decline. We will not run out of oil, but we will start to run out of cheap oil. As I became more aware of this situation, I was inspired to learn about ways that I could reduce my own personal consumption of and dependence on oil.
When I first heard about the idea of peak oil, I didn't fully understand how it could completely change the way we live. My introduction to the concept was through the movie The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. The movie shows how Cuba was affected by an artificial case of peak oil brought on after the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s and Cuban ports were closed by the U.S. Cubans had to transform their way of life. I was riveted by the changes they made.
Cuba had previously used energy-intensive farming practices (fuel-fed tractors and petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides). The majority of crops were grown for export, while they imported most of their food for consumption. When this was no longer possible, food shortages became common. The government rationed food; however, these rations were only equivalent to one-fifth the food consumed by Cubans before the crisis. So they sought help from permaculture experts from Australia. Permaculture is a drastically different method of growing food that mimics the structure and biodiversity found in natural ecologies. These practices return to a more hands-on method of gardening without the use of machinery, promoting the health and vitality of the soil without introducing chemicals or fertilizers. The transformation was astounding.
Arable land in cities was cleaned up and transformed into urban gardens. Rooftop gardens appeared, and five kilometers of land surrounding each municipality were reclaimed for food production. The government distributed land with the condition that it be used to farm. By working with nature and using organic farming methods, they were able to reduce pests and improve the condition of the soil. Cubans lowered their use of pesticides by over 95 percent. Land was allocated for over 1,000 farmers' markets and kiosks around the city in order to sell the produce grown in each neighborhood. Food was distributed for free to the elderly, daycares, schools and clinics to help support community health.
Health care, transportation, housing and education were also affected. The Cuban diet shifted from one of high fat to one with more fruits and vegetables. Walking and biking have become the primary means of transportation. Overall, these changes have reduced the national rate of diabetes and stroke. Doctors now work in the communities in which they live, decentralizing health care. The educational system has expanded from three urban universities to over 50 rural universities. Cubans began to rethink development and planning by following traditional practices of creating community spaces where people can live, work and play in an area that is accessible by foot or bicycle. This created a nationwide shift, helping people reconnect with their neighbors to share food, resources and skills. Cubans are no longer as isolated from each other, but are now connecting and caring for each other in small local, sustainable communities.
After watching the movie, I looked at my own life and I realized that the comforts we enjoy today evolved because of the assumption that we would always have cheap fossil fuels available. It isn't only the gas in my fuel tank; oil saturates every aspect of my day. Just my breakfast and my office alone were full of examples of my hidden dependence on oil. Although they were organic, of all the ingredients that went into making my breakfast, the only one that was truly local was the homemade jam, harvested from berries on the east side of the Cascades. The rest were shipped from long distances in the U.S. or from other countries. Sitting in the warmth of my office is possible because of electricity, which is itself derived from coal; but its transport and processing require oil. The furniture and computer I use are made from parts that were shipped from overseas. The clothes I'm wearing came from China. The recycled paper I use is dependent on oil for its manufacture and transport. Peak oil will impact every aspect of our global industrial society that uses energy directly or indirectly.
Once I became aware of my dependence, I had to act. I looked for ways to learn more. This summer, I attended the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair in Shoreline, Washington, where I ran into Dave Adams from Seattle Peak Oil Awareness and arranged to interview him. Dave explained that after global warming, peak oil is the next crisis that we will face. The debate continues about when we will reach the global peak, but statistics show that of the 65 largest oil-producing countries in the world, up to 54 have passed their peak of production and are now in decline. The window of opportunity that we currently have to find alternative solutions is quickly closing.
In the interview, Dave was quick to point out that alternative energy, although it sounds promising, is not the magic bullet that will save us. Solar panels, windmills, hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel production and nuclear power plants all rely on sophisticated technology and electronic devices that are produced by using oil. These alternatives to oil are actually derivatives of oil. Without petroleum, we will have no way of producing them at the level necessary to power the modern world
However, there was hope in his message. Dave said that there are things each of us can start to do that will reduce our dependence on oil. We need to decrease our current rate of consumption to give ourselves time to shift to new ways of living.
Eat Local One of the best ways to prepare is to start growing a garden or join a community pea-patch. Take a class in permaculture and learn about food preservation. These traditions that our grandparents depended on are springing up again. Support local farmers through CSA (community supported agriculture) and farmers' markets. The more local the food, the easier it will be to obtain once methods of transportation start to disappear.
Fully use resources Save, store and repair what you already own. Look for longer-lasting, more durable products.
Re-think transportation Before you drive alone, consider carpooling or using public transportation. Better yet, walk or bike. Propose to your boss that you telecommute at least part of the week.
Prepare for blackouts Plan what you and your household will do during extended periods without power (see "Emergency Essentials" (Issue #9).
Stabilize finances Protect your finances: Get out of debt. Our dollar is strong because of cheap energy. Once the energy supplies start to diminish, we will begin to see a decline in the value of the dollar, probably leading to a crash in the market. In order to protect yourself from the ramifications of a plunge in our economy, make sure that you are as financially stable as possible.
Conserve energy Ensure that your home is energy efficient. Many windows are a major source of heat loss; use windows with thicker, better-insulated glass. Find and fix air leaks — make sure your home is well insulated. Switch to energy-efficient appliances as old appliances fail (see Energy Savings Begin at Home, Issue #13).
Brainstorm solutions Network with others at oil-awareness meet-ups that encourage people to start the discussion about peak oil in their own neighborhoods (see resource box).
Connect with community Overall, the best way to prepare is to begin to re-create sustainable local communities. Start by getting to know your neighbors. Have block parties; begin sharing skills and resources.neighbors.
The message from groups such as Seattle Peak Oil Awareness and from The Power of Community is one of change and action. The movie is an inspiring example of how we can learn to adapt. Life in Cuba shifted drastically — their communities have become reinvigorated. Neighbors develop closer bonds, growing and sharing their food together. Their healthy, sustainable communities are thriving. By starting to change our consumption patterns now, getting involved locally and relearning how to be more self-reliant, we can make the same transition, and it can be a positive one. In a society where we have lost many of our connections with both the natural world and each other, this is another reminder to return to our roots, simplify, slow down and reconnect with one another
Corinna Frenzl lives with her husband, Stef, in Snohomish, Washington. Most of the time, you can find her shopping at her local farmers' markets and co-ops or networking with local groups such as Green Everett, Foundation for Sustainable Communities and Sustainable Snohomish. In the spring, she's excited to get her hands in the garden
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