No Happiness with a new energy source

            In chapter eight of Peak Everything by Richard Heinberg, it focuses on climate change and on considerable solutions that can bring happiness. In chapter eight, there is a huge argument between depletion activists and climate activist who have a differing perspective about the future and suitable solutions. A depletion activist is a person who advocates for the peak oil concept; he or she is passionate about defending and educating the public about peak oil. On the other hand, a climate activist is a person who takes action to solve global warming by advocating and providing moderate solutions.

            I believe that many consumers will not be better off in the future but according to Heinberg if there is a solution many consumers will be happy. Heinberg states, “Everyone would be happy if it were possible simply to substitute renewable sources of energy for oil, coal and gas and both depletion activists and climate activists support the expansion of most renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind” (153). This quote shows Heinbergs prediction about the future. He states that everyone will be happy with new resources only if a new source is found to replace fossil fuels. Also, we can assume that Heinberg suggests us to use wind energy which is not powered by fossil fuels. Surprisingly, in this quote we can see that both the depletion activists and the climate activists are at last favorable of a common goal or solution.

            In my current Renewable Sources Equals No Happiness, I argue that in the future most consumers will never be happy and satisfied with a renewable energy source. Heinberg’s idea in chapter eight are relevant to my discussion because based on our current experience of depleting oil or cheap fossil fuels most people are not happy. So with a new source what makes Heinberg think that consumers may be happy in the future? I believe if most consumers are miserable with this energy source we have today they will be more miserable with the new one. Also, I believe if consumers are happy with the renewable energy source this will only be brief.   

What do we need if the oil runs out, my POV

Can anyone try to imagine a world without fossil fuel or oil? It would bring more chaos if there is no oil. For example, many countries such as BRIC, Britain, Russia, India and China economy will eventually collapse due to its scarcity of oil. In the future with no cheap fossil fuel, many consumers despite their class and culture will have to go back to how things were in the past. For example, the farming days whereas one had to provide their own food for his or her family by planting seeds. Let us hope no one experiences slavery again. We consumers need our own energy our muscles, the help of others, a utopian society whereas everyone interacts well, and the satisfaction from honest work well done since there is no cheap fossil fuel. I think we need those things listed above because today with oil being used for everything many people have lost the spirit or value of bonding with nature, interacting well with people especially their family, and friends. Technology has caused so much terror that it is causing a global catastrophe. 

Power Words

So far since I'm reading the book "Peak Everything” by Richard Heinberg, I realized that his text has huge correlation with the movie "Crude Awakening". However, both sources of information primarily focus on the oil peak but in Heinberg's text/book focuses mostly on statistical information (graphs/data) about the oil peak and the effects of oil shrinkage while in the movie “Crude Awakening” a few scientist and developers such as Roscoe Burtlett, Matt Simmons and Terry Lynn Carl pay keen attention to the rise and fall of the oil boom and/industries in specific areas where oil was excessive. 

Power List
Perilous- Involving or full of severe risk. It can also be defined as threatening.


Disparity- A lack of similarity or equality; inequality; difference.


Biosphere- (1) the ecosystem comprising the entire earth and the living organisms that inhabit it. (2) The part of the earth's crust, waters, and atmosphere that supports life.


 Depletion- to decrease seriously. (reduction/decline)

Forager- (1) the act of looking or searching for food or provisions. (2) A hunter gatherer.


Exacerbate- (1) to increase the relentlessness, bitterness, or violence. (2) to provoke. (3) Act of belligerents.

I don't know if you've noticed but the word depletion is often used.