As I’ve said before, the 30-year transitional plan will be a blueprint designed by both the people of Minnesota and their state government. Because oil or petroleum defines our economy and our production for more oil-based products has exponentially increased, it is vital to understand that half the world’s oil supply is depleted. Most experts agree the planet was endowed with about two trillion barrels of oil (based on current recovery technology). Furthermore, these experts also agree that we have used the first trillion barrels of oil. This reflects the term “peak oil.”
Statistics show that the world presently consumes about 80-85 million barrels of oil per day. Presently, the world also consumes about 30 billion barrels of oil per year. Finally the United States presently consumes about 20 million barrels of oil per day. At this rate of consumption, it appears that we would have left about 35 years worth of oil, based on current recovery technology.
This thinking process is not correct. Oil production does not work this way because of the nature of oil wells. Based on current recovery techniques, we have about 60-70 years of oil recovery left. Here is where we acknowledge and begin to understand the gravity of the situation. We will be on the backside of a bell curve, and current production rates will be unsustainable under any circumstances. Instead of a world production rate of 80 million barrels of oil per day for the next 35 years, the world will experience a steady reduction rate from the present 80 million barrels per day to zero barrels of oil per day, 65 years from now.
One way or another, this shortfall is happening. It is real. We will need to embrace–not to deny or to run away from this challenge. We will need to make adjustments to our personal lifestyles. Quite possibly, some of the adjustments will require state government mandates in order to keep us on track.
For example, we need to choose a driving speed of 55 mph. By reducing road speed, we will conserve the amount of gas used, keeping money in our pockets and in the United States. Other benefits of using a more moderate speed include fewer accidents and road rage incidents, decreasing driving tension. Most of us believe that faster is better, yet are a few extra minutes saved worth compromising safety? 55 mph speeds would also diminish greenhouse gas emissions The more we consume, the more we put all life forms at risk.
Another adjustment to our lifestyles could be a state-mandated lighting curfew. Right now, the metro area produces a glow that can be seen from space while most people are sleeping. This is a senseless waste of energy. A lighting curfew could include the lighting in all public buildings, parking lots, car lots, and on freeways. From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., lighting would be minimal, saving huge amounts of energy.
Finally, choosing to buy locally-grown food, flowers, and products and arranging our food menus to reflect what is bountiful at any given season will be advantageous. The ability to ship products from Peru, California or Holland just won’t be feasible.