Overview

Ideas for a Peak Oil display at the Sustainable Energy Fair (end of April 2007)

I imagine 4 panels of text that need to be read consecutively. We have use of a large (7 ft high by 8 ft) display structure. There will be charts, graphics, pictures, maybe a game and things to manipulate, to remember the booth by. A brochure or flyer which summarizes the display will be handed out.

Panel Text

Global oil production rates will begin to fall soon, never to rise again.

There will not be enough oil produced for all who need it.

The price of oil will rise and everything that is made of oil or depends on it will cost more: fuels for all transport (motor vehicles, aircraft, ships), drugs, plastics, pesticides and herbicides for food production. Higher shipping costs will drive up the cost of most goods, as most are used far away from where they are produced.

Substitutes will have to be found. There is no readily available or easily manufactured liquid fuel substitute. (fill in info about biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen: how they use much more energy to produce than petroleum based fuels. Also the energy needed to create a whole new fleet of machines that can use these fuels. Hydrogen is not a fuel but a carrier of energy similar to electricity. A hydrogen-based fuel system will need of a completely new infrastructure.)

Conclusion: The combination of more energy needed to produce liquid transportation fuel and less energy-dense oil entering the economy means less work can be done and a subsequent reduction in economic activity. This is also known as a recession or depression. It will be a new kind; one that lasts with no possible return to the previous higher level.

What can we do?

Wean ourselves, as individuals and as a society, off petroleum. If we are addicted, let's not wait 'til we have to go cold turkey.

There are basically two things to do: become more efficient in the way we currently use oil and develop new sustainable sources of energy.

Commentary

Please comment on any aspect of this. I know it's a little vague but I didn't want to put too much detail in before I got some feedback. The text is deliberately short and simple. There are so many aspects of the Peak Oil idea. I have chosen what seems the most direct and understandable. It's a controversial topic and I wanted to avoid arguments.

I imagine it printed in letters maybe 1 and 1/4 inches high. The first 2 statements of the text will be accompanied by graphs or charts. The last panel will get very specific about What can we do?

Energy Fair Resources