Reaching the outer limits

An outstanding summary of our energy predicament. Thank You. I predict you (and I) will be pilloried by comments that we are needlessly worried because there will be a magical solution just around the corner.

This is all very true, the new economics foundation here in the UK has written reports on how we can change society and stop this ever boring existence of work to earn, earn to consume but I doubt policy makers will ever use them, so in the near future expect energy shortages but also food shortages as the food making process and delivery requires a lot of oil. This coupled with global warming will make the future a grim place.

Most policymakers seem to feel there are no alternatives other than further economic growth and expansion.

Thank you. One get's tired of hearing every politician say that we should bash our heads against the same wall until we die because that's what we have done in the past. Never mind the blood, just keep bashing!

Chad forged a relationship with China to drill for oil and refine it by building a refinery. They also installed a telecommunications system and built some schools. The Chad government were given money to help in 'projects for their people'. The Chinese held the key technologies regarding exploration and refining of the oil although some training packages were encouraged. Estimates of Chad's oil capacity flowing in good conditions were 11%. Many farmers sold their land for development and promises of income from government funds. Inevitably internal power conflicts led to arms buying and all the people began to gain was carnage from government/rebel conflicts. The Chinese policy was to stay out of internal 'political' affairs; after all, the oil was running. The local people began to live in declining poverty. The number of 'companies' operating in Africa is in the 1000's. The conditions and legalities of 'start up contracts' has few regulations. In decades to come, the world will reach a point where 'looking the other way' may lead to events that no country can afford to compromise on.

In two short decades the increase in students studying capital markets and their potential future growth sectors has multiplied in the developing world. Alongside come geologists with new electronic tools to identify energy resources financed if not by corporations then upward growth government systems. The time scales and demand for economic sectors requiring materials has shrunk and competition for existing commodities has its conflict zones. In a capital driven market there will be little that has had some research with development outcomes factored into time, labour, and eventual economic risk. Established fiscal markets and their currencies may face challenges from emerging capital growth sectors that feel they can do a better job than what passed as the status quo.
Conflict resolution within human behaviour has had its study time in the developing world but few would say it has seen its benefit progress as fast as mans destructive elements. Into this melting pot come the religions which seem to offer faith to many despite the division and extreme interpretations of text. I liked the article and hope that human reason and resolution save life and the universal needs to sustain a meaningful life for all.