PeakOilWhen: The specter of peak oil engenders a sense of apprehension extended into deep concern, and even panic in some. The most understated description of what will unfold if the Peak hits us while we are unprepared is not pretty. The opposite scenario, comprised of unnecessary, drastic, painful conservation measures, and harmful ecological setbacks, is not jovial either. Hand wringing, horror, and doomsday thoughts are irrational. Alas, equally irrational is the reaction of apathy and ignorance. Looking the other way, and going about our business, is not a reasonable countermeasure. Cynics will weaken our resolve with arguments of global impotence, and the improbability of a world-wide, well organized, effective and timely remedial action. But poets and Don Quixotes will point out a hidden opportunity. When a natural disaster hits a town or a village, it brings out a hidden sense of friendship, community and cooperation. The same might happen here. The global Peak is also a Global Unifier -- a specter that highlights our shared fate on this happenstance planet. Like strangers on a sinking ship who become instant friends, and exhibit remarkable cooperation, let's build up the chance for rising above our daily negativity into an uplifting coordinated action that would keep this planet energy rich, and enmity poor. This PeakOilWhen.org site is setting up a bulletin for messages and expressions of both the fear and the opportunity. Send us your writing, your art. We shall link to it, or post it here as the case maybe. We have the opportunity to leverage our common fear of the consequences of Peak Oil into coordinated countermeasures that would prove the cynics wrong, and provide future generations with an example to follow.
(c) 2007 The Gideon Samid BiPSA Company