Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Full talks from speakers including Dr. Joseph Tainter, Nicole Foss (Stoneleigh), David Korowicz, Stephanie Mills, Kurt Cobb and Aaron Wissner now available for all educational uses. The YouTube playlist includes the full first day of the Conference on Sustainability: Energy, Economy and Environment, including question and answer and panel discussions.
We cannot expect to maintain a steady state economy at present levels because present levels are deep into planetary overshoot.
It may seem a bit over the top to say that a book entitled Into the Cool is the coolest book I’ve ever read on energy. But energy junkies should take note of its two compelling theses: First, the eventual heat death of the universe – a supposed consequence of the Second Law of Thermodynamics – has, to borrow a phrase from Mark Twain, been greatly exaggerated. Second, life – in all its forms – is NOT an anomaly made improbable by the aforesaid Second Law, but rather a direct and likely inevitable consequence of it.
Let’s start taking an honest look at the myths behind the demand for increased energy. We don’t need nukes, and we could cut our fossil fuel use just about in half, if not significantly more, today.
Contrary to the belief systems espoused by our culture that devours new product; we must remind ourselves that we are a creative culture, and a DIY culture too.
Obama’s recent speech on energy policy, which rehashed nearly every cliché uttered in forty years of empty White House rhetoric on the subject, drove home the hard fact that meaningful responses to the predicament of industrial society will not be forthcoming from the American political class. Instead, the foundations of a very different kind of energy system – localized, small-scale, and based on diffuse renewable energy – will need to be laid by individuals, families, and community groups. Passive solar technologies offer one useful example of how the ecotechnic energy system of the future can begin to evolve.
Permaculturists are the emergency planetary technicians, and bioremediation is our bailiwick.
These days, spiritual understandings of “simple living” go to great lengths to evade discussions of finance, thus perpetuating an environment where “living simply” requires “spending amply.”
Here is the Spring collection of permaculture tips and tricks from the Southern Oregon Permaculture Institute, enjoy.
-International Conference on Global Land Grabbing
-Coalition Government ‘must step up to the plate on sustainable food’
-Subsidies and the “True Cost of Food”
-Kenyans fear Dakatcha Woodlands biofuel expansion
-Who feeds Bristol? Towards a resilient food plan
-Huber warns EU president of glyphosate danger to livestock and plant
What I object to is this style of science based on press releases which are only hype and no substance. I understand that scientists are human beings and they like to be in the spotlight once in a while. I understand also that one may need to use these methods in order to get research grants. But, in the long run, this is something that only generated false hopes and disillusion.
You probably know that energy used in your home produces more global-warming pollution than your car, but what can you do to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels? Maybe you daydream of starting from scratch, building a new, super-efficient, passive-solar, off-grid house—but in reality you’ve got a roof (and a mortgage) over your head already. How can you turn your existing house into an environmental asset? One that simultaneously saves you money on utilities and insulates you from the possible shocks of Peak Oil?
