'Beyond Oil: The View from Hubbert's Peak' describes what peak oil is and says when it might be.It lays out the possible alternatives to oil and whether we have enough time to implement them.
Oil production rates are declining in many areas of the globe because the easily accessible oil has already been extracted and drilling new wells is increasingly expensive. At the same time, the global demand for oil increases every year. If current trends continue, production will not keep up with consumption. The era of cheap oil may already be over, but of greater concern is the prospect of serious worldwide oil shortfalls that could cause global recession in coming decades. "Shortfall?" provides an in-depth picture of the oil industry and world oil production, and it takes a region-by-region look at trends in global consumption. Which regions are increasing consumption and who are their suppliers? Which producers are in decline and which have more oil coming online? What are the prospects for alternative energy sources and enhanced oil recovery techniques? While global oil shortages are possible in coming years, Ustina Markus is cautiously optimistic that the United States and other nations will be able to reduce their oil dependence before global production and proven reserves pass their peak. This book is a timely assessment for anyone who is concerned about the future consequences of the world's appetite for oil.
Author and leading oil expert Matthew R. Simmons departs from other books of the oil doom-and-gloom genre, which usually review peak production formulas, extend them to global oil reserves and posit an inevitable decline. Global oil production, they all warn, must begin to diminish "sooner or later." While indisputably true, such homilies overlook the core question: when? When will the decline actually begin - now or 50 years from now? (As John Maynard Keynes put it darkly, "In the long run, we’re all dead.") Taking quite a different tact, Simmons ignores the bit players and focuses on Saudi Arabia, the world’s petroleum giant. He links historical data with solid information and graphs on oil reserves and production, and adds his informed perspective on how the oil business really works. No wonder the house of Saud reportedly spent an entire year priming its public relations network to defuse this book’s thesis. By sticking to facts and avoiding prognostication, Simmons makes a cogent case that it’s time for the world to start working on "Plan B," that is, what to do once Saudi production declines. We recommend this book to all business readers. As the lifeblood of the global economy, oil is everyone’s business.
This has to be my favourate book on peak oil.Richard Heinberg clearly explains peak oil and the effects it will have on the planet.He explains the different methods that can be used to work out when oil production will peak and uses clear data and graphs to back up his theorys.An exellent read!
Oil and energy are not the limitless resources they were once thought to be, and at some point in the foreseeable future, these supplies will run out. "Peak Oil Survival" is the ultimate guide to planning for this eventuality, showing readers how to survive when the food, transport, and energy industries sputter to a halt. With its clear, simple instructions and easy-to-read diagrams, this volume explains how people can protect their families in a time of crisis and live comfortably "off the grid".
Make the break, realize the dream and start living "the good life". Packed with comprehensive information on all the practical details, from ploughing fields to milking cows, as well as information on how to create an urban organic garden and harness natural energy, this second edition aims to be a useful handbook for realists and dreamers alike.
Brilliant … read this book, fill your roof with polystyrene, and buy a smaller car’
