Energy Descent

An alternate term for the more prevalent and ominous “Peak Oil”, this is the geological absolute graphically represented by the classic bell curve, and one that no amount of “technology” will change. Most petro-geologists and other experts focused on this issue agree that, as of late 2006, humans have burned through slightly more than half of the Earth’s total oil endowment, hence the notion of “descent” as humanity is now dependent on a dwindling resource reflected by the downward slope of the aforementioned curve. Our challenge is in the fact that, within the design of our current industrial and technology-based systems, nearly all of civilization’s operations require a petroleum-based input at some point in its life cycle, particularly as it pertains to the built environment. The implications of this truth are dire in that, as demand continues to outstrip supply, the core of our energy platform will become increasingly scarce, and therefore expensive. And, because the energy density of oil cannot be replicated, there is no true “alternative” or substitute for this precious resource. The only answer to this problem is an intensified conservation ethic that is applied at every level of human endeavor, especially in the context of creating and sustaining habitation.