Approximately 750 people attended the event and for many, Heinberg’s talk was a big wake up call regarding world oil supply and demand and how it will continue to impact our lives.
Heinberg provided compelling data demonstrating that increasing demand for oil, particularly within oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia, and a three year flat line production of global supply are the greatest contributors to the recent and continuing rise in oil prices
According to Heinberg the Cantarell oil field in Mexico that is now producing half as much oil as it once did, and stated that although the United States used to be the world's foremost oil-exporting country, it now imports about two-thirds of the 21 million barrels consumed every day. These 21 million barrels of oil are more than the daily production of the top two oil-producing countries, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Even if potential offshore and arctic reserves were to be extracted, we would not see the oil for about another 10 years and even then, the amount extracted would be a drop in the bucket and would not have any significant impact on the average consumer.
In order to ameliorate some of the effects of "Peak Oil" we will need to use less and conserve more over the short term while exploring and developing renewable energy over the long term. Heinberg stated that if you were to do one thing to ensure the welfare of your community during the energy crunch the most important would be to develop and support local agriculture as food prices will greatly increase due to transportation costs. For more information and to view Heinberg's speech click below:
Richard Heinberg is the author of eight books including The Party’s Over: Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies (New Society, 2003, 2005), Powerdown: Options and Actions for a Post-Carbon World (New Society, 2004), The Oil Depletion Protocol (New Society, 2006), and Peak Everything (New Society, 2007). He is a Senior Fellow of Post Carbon Institute and is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost Peak Oil educators. He writes a regular column for The Ecologist, and has also authored scores of essays and articles that have appeared in such journals as The American Prospect, Public Policy Research, Quarterly Review, Z Magazine, Resurgence, The Futurist, European Business Review, Earth Island Journal, Alternative Press Review, and The Sun; and on web sites such as Alternet.org, EnergyBulletin.net, GlobalPublicMedia.com, ProjectCensored.com, and Counterpunch.com. He has appeared in numerous video documentaries, including Leonardo DiCaprio's 11th Hour.
Many thanks to our Co-Sponsors for Pie and Politics: Primary Sponsors:
The Alliance for Sustainability, Big Top Chautauqua, and Ashwabay Outdoor Educational Foundation.
Underwriting Sponsors ($1,000):
City of Ashland, Fiorio Brothers Investment Center, and Calvert Funds.
Major sponsors ($300-$500):
City of Bayfield, City of Washburn, Chequamegon Food Co-op, Honda MotorWerks of La Crosse, Thomas Kvanbeck DDS; Northland College's Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, SEH, Inc.; VHS Cleaning; Chippewa Valley Bank; and C&W Trucking.
Community Sponsors ($100-$200):
Ashland Chrysler Ford, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Washburn Chamber of Commerce, North Coast Coffee, C&S Design, Town of Bayfield, Town of Washburn, Black Cat Coffeehouse, Ashland Baking Company, Mark Leach, Kari Toyota, Jonathan Berthel, Penokee Mountain Foods, Tom Cogger, Maple Hill Farm, Hermit Creek Farm, Angel Acres Farm, Great Oaks Farm, Blue Vista Farm, 2d Street Bistro, Burt and Francies, Von Holzen Auto Dealership, Blakely's Hill House, Ashland Farmers Market, Living Adventure Inc., Wachsmuth House, Ashland Bayfield League of Women Voters, Daily Press, Heart Graphics, White Winter Winery.
