Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Declines (New Society Publishers)

The twentieth century saw unprecedented growth in population, energy consumption, and food production. As the population shifted from rural to urban, the impact of humans on the environment increased dramatically. The twenty-first century ushered in an era of declines, in a number of crucial parameters: Global oil, natural gas, and coal extraction Yearly grain harvests Climate stability Population Economic growth Fresh water Minerals and ores, such as copper and platinum To adapt to this profoundly different world, we must begin now to make radical changes to our attitudes, behaviors, and expectations. Peak Everything addresses many of the cultural, psychological, and practical changes we will have to make as nature rapidly dictates our new limits. This latest book from Richard Heinberg, author of three of the most important books on Peak Oil, touches on the most important aspects of the human condition at this unique moment in time. A combination of wry commentary and sober forecasting on subjects as diverse as farming and industrial design, this book tells how we might make the transition from the Age of Excess to the Era of Modesty with grace and satisfaction, while preserving the best of our collective achievements. A must-read for individuals, business leaders, and policymakers who are serious about effecting real change. Richard Heinberg is a journalist, lecturer, and the author of seven books, including The Party’s Over, Powerdown, and The Oil Depletion Protocol. He is one of the world’s foremost Peak Oil educators. The 21st Century Ushered In A New Era Of Declines In A Number Of Crucial Areas: Global Oil, Natural Gas And Coal Extraction; Availability Of Fresh Water; Yearly Grain Harvests; Economic Growth; Extraction Rates For Minerals And Ores; And Climate Stability. Peak Everything Addresses The Personal, Psychological, And Cultural Challenges We Face As Nature Rapidly Dictates Our New Limits. Richard Heinberg Offers A Combination Of Commentary And Forecasting On Subjects As Diverse As Farming And Industrial Design.--jacket. On Technology, Agriculture, And The Arts. Tools With A Life Of Their Own ; Fifty Million Farmers ; (post- )hydrocarbon Aesthetics -- On Nature's Limits And The Human Condition. Five Axioms Of Sustainability ; Parrots And Peoples ; Population, Resources, And Human Idealism -- The End Of One Era, The Beginning Of Another. The Psychology Of Peak Oil And Climate Change ; Bridging Peak Oil And Climate Change Activism ; Boomers' Last Chance? ; A Letter From The Future ; Talking Ourselves To Extinction. Richard Heinberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 201-205) And Index. Introduction: Peak Everything......Page 12 1. Tools with a life of Their Own......Page 42 2. FiftyMillion Farmers......Page 58 3. (post-)Hydrocarbon Aesthetics......Page 78 4. Five Axioms of Sustainability......Page 96 5. Parrots and Peoples......Page 108 6. Population, Resources, and Human Idealism......Page 124 7. The Psychology of Peak Oil and Climate Change......Page 138 8. Bridging Peak Oil and Climate Change Activism......Page 152 9. Boomers’ last Chance......Page 170 10. A letter From the Future......Page 184 11. Talking Ourselves to Extinction......Page 196 Resources for Action......Page 210 notes......Page 212 Index......Page 218 About the Author......Page 224