High Gas Prices Provide Opportunity for Reflection
Feeling the price at the gas pump yet? The reason that gas prices are so high may not be immediately obvious, though most of us are familiar with the concept of Peak Oil. Whether or not we've reached the inevitable tipping point of the free-energy parade we've been having for so long, we haven't actually run out of oil — yet.
The root cause of our current situation involves two primary issues: refinery capacity and overall consumption rate:
As has been the case for many weeks, gasoline consumption continues to run above last year, a series of refining problems have kept gasoline output well below the utilization needed to build stockpiles, and the US seems to be unable to find enough refined gasoline in the world markets to make up the difference (1)."
Despite our best efforts to use more fuel, the national ability to turn unrefined oil into gasoline has hit a bottleneck. This doesn't really slow down consumption, it just tends to drive prices up and eat into national reserves:
Last week, US gasoline stockpiles dropped for the 12th straight week by another 1.1 million barrels as US motorists continued to burn up gasoline at a rate 1.6 percent higher than last year (1)."
In reality, we are just using too much fuel. I understand that this is not exactly a new concept, especially to GO readers. But it's an issue worth reconsidering today, and probably every day for the foreseeable future:
. . .if present trends continue, the U.S, will be burning 290 billion gallons of gasoline by 2050 (up from 140 billion gallons today) (2). "
Not only are we using too much oil, but scant consideration is given to exactly where all this money goes. The serious rumination garnered by socially and environmentally certified products is seldom extended into the realm of transportation. But there is little justification for such a psychological disconnect: If every dollar spent is a vote, then most of us are all still voting for Big Oil:
Demand for oil has increased significantly in the last few years, and world production is close to full capacity. According to Resources, "Global oil supply stands at 84 million barrels per day, while spare capacity is only 1 to 1.5 million barrels per day–the lowest level in three decades." The United State's oil import bill in 2005 was over $240 billion dollars, much of which flowed out of the country into so-called terrorist regimes."
Today, the world’s oil frontier includes a list of countries that mirrors a catalog of global trouble spots, including Angola, Azerbaijan, Chad, Nigeria, Sudan, and Venezuela. Most of these countries rank disturbingly low in many measures of political liberty, human rights, and corruption (3)."
The whole idea of financing the corrupt industries of Angola, Azerbaijan, Chad, Nigeria, Sudan, and Venezuela (among others) is ethically bankrupt. It is inconceivable that consumers purchase fair-trade and organic products, while simultaneously sending supporting this international oil industry (4)."
Now I won't go so far as to condemn the American People, because I think oil consumption is a product of lack of consciousness and/or viable alternatives. But why don't gas purchases carry the same weight as buying fair-trade coffee imported from Ecuador? How much does it take to push us into changing the way we live? Each day, 300 million of us choose how to get around, and if we question it at all the most likely point we come to is, "well, what else are we going to do?"
There are several underlying problems behind the growing [fuel] shortfalls, none of which seem susceptible to immediate solution. The automobile is so deeply embedded into our lifestyles that gasoline will have to go much higher * some say $6+ a gallon - before there will be any significant slackening in demand. Sales of gas-guzzlers probably will continue to drop, but major changes in lifestyles will not come until actual gasoline shortages and gas lines develop. Here in America, there are simply too many other ways to save money before we cut back on driving. In the meantime, the struggle among demand, prices, refining, and imports will continue. Every Wednesday morning the Department of Energy will update the score card and the picture of how much longer we can all continue business as usual will become a little clearer."
My question to you, the reader, is: what can we do right now to really start moving away from using gasoline and diesel for transportation?
I know we write a lot here about alternative fuels and new resource-conserving technology. But sometimes the real important message, the call to action, the part where we actually start doing something and implementing these new solutions into our own lives - sometimes this gets lost in the text.
So let me turn this obscure dicussion on oil consumption into a call to action: When you finish reading this post, take a few minutes to think about the gas you use and the driving you do. How much of it is necessary? How much is not? Is there a bus-stop nearby, but you've never taken the time to learn the routes? Is there an opportunity to carpool to work or other activities? Is it possible to ride your bike or walk for at least part of your trip?
If this bit of reflection reveals anything to you, or even if it doesn't, please take a minute and post it as a comment. I am eager to hear about any steps you may have made to drive less. If you haven't taken any steps yet, that's ok - all I'm asking for is a few minutes of reflection.
What part are you playing in the world we live in today?
(1) Energy Bulletin: The peak oil crisis: Week twelve. Tom Whipple. (May 3, 2007)
(2) Grist: A Bridge to Somewhere? What we've learned from the biofuels series. (Dec 15, 2006)
(3) WorldWatch Institute. American Energy: The Renewable Path to Energy Security. (Sept. 2006)
(4) For more information on Nigerian Oil, see National Geographic Magazine's Article.
Tags: Activism, Automobiles, Conservation, gas+prices, oil, peak+oil, public+transportation
- Uncategorized
May 11th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
I just finished up a semester of Ecodesign school in Prescott, Arizona, and instead of flying back to my home in Denver like I usually would, I decided to take the train. While it took a lot longer, I actually appreciated the slow pace, as it allowed me to take in the amazing Rocky Mountain scenery and chat with other riders.
Now that I’m home, I’m adamantly refusing to ride in a car unless there’s three or more people in it. Denver is a very bikeable city with a decent bus system; there’s simply no reason that I should need to drive to get to most of the places I need to go.
May 11th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
What part am I playing in the world we are living in today?
Well, for starters I have been successfully ignorized by the U.S. Mass Media ever since my mom brought me to this country 23 years ago. I have since grown up and read a book or two. Currently, I am observing the rest of America continue its existence in a hallucinogenic ignorant bubble. As far as the part I am playing…well, let’s just say that whenever I try to tell people about the energy crisis headed our way, they eagerly let me know that, “I am crazy.”
So, understanding the reality of SCALE (with 300 million Americans and growing), I think if I killed my self and completely stopped using any form of energy what-so-ever will not prevent the collapse of society as we know it. Do you know why my martyrous action won’t do a dam thing? It’s called IGNORANT AMERICANS, and it’s most likely not their fault either.
Whatever I personally do to “really start moving away from using gasoline and diesel for transportation” is unfortunately going to have zero effect. And actually, if there is a large scale move to conserve…that will only make the situation worse (research Jevons Paradox).
Get with the program, we’re fucked buddy. You can thank your Dad, Mom, and all the previous generations for hating us.
In conclusion, I ain’t doin shit. Cause I still have to pay the bills like everyone else. Want me to take public transportation to work and walk the rest of the 2 miles? Fine, just as long as everyone else in my company is doing the same. That way, I won’t feel like I just screwed myself (especially since everyone else is saying i’m crazy for what I merely ‘believe to be true’).
If you wanted to actually ask a serious question, you should ask what is our government doing about it. If you then did some research, you would find out about the Halliburton contracts for massive civilian detention centers to be built among other activities the government has lined up. Good luck in the near future, Clayton. You’ll need it, cause we will all be asking why God did this to us.
May 11th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
The train is the way to go if you aren't on a tight deadline (that's usually the problem, isn't it?). On the twice/year occasions that I fly, I've ridden the train to the airport. The price is comparable to driving (~$14 - that's if someone drops you off. Leaving the car at the airport is significantly more expensive) and it's way more fun: you ride the train into Portland (Oregon), then walk a few blocks through Chinatown, and jump on the lightrail, which takes you to the ticket counter at the airport. Way better than driving…
May 11th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Before I reply to this, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to read this post:
LighterFootStep.com: Why Small Changes Matter
http://www.greenoptions.com/blog/2007/05/02/
lighterfootstep_com_why_small_changes_matter
Copy and paste that as one big string.
May 11th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Wow… Malthus and Nietzsche both resurrected in one GreenOptions comment thread!
Thankfully history teaches us that we will adapt and we will prosper despite the woeful predictions of the less optimistic.
May 11th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Having to fill up on average of every two weeks, I, just as everyone else, can feel the hurt. From doing my own brief search, crude is not forever. It is daunting to me as a nation the fuel consumption is so high. Two questions come to mind:
1) How much interest does the U.S. government have in the fuel crisis?
2) What can I REALLY do?
As an avid fuel user, changing is hard. Especially when the fuel (gasoline) is needed for everyday things (i.e. job). Sure buying an electric car or riding a bike is an option. However, when mileage, money, and environment (rural vs urban) is involved things are a little different. In an urban setting changing is and adapting easier. However, rural areas do not have the same options. Many ideas take money, and to some are hard to overcome.
The idea has been implanted, whether forced or not, to think Change. This brings me to the first question of government. The US should be a leader and adapt change.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:20 pm
I am not crazy, but I really do wish and pray that gas prices keep rising until more people realize that driving big cars and SUV’s is stupid. There are so many people that drive big cars, to show off, or only out of insecurity. These cars are ok for a family with 5 kids, but come-on, why do I see so many mothers that have only one kid, driving in big SUV’s. In the end if they don’t care about high gas prices, well then gas is still too cheap. This is why all of those Arab countries that support terrorism have so much money.
I can’t wait to see the day when we stop needing to buy oil from them. I hope gas makes it to over $5 a gallon! I’ll just drive a fuel efficient car or hybrid.
May 23rd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
What this country needs is a general strike. If everyone stayed home for a week, the corporations and the government would get the message.
June 4th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I live in a rural area. I chose to live there years ago when gas was cheap because I like the country and low crime stats. However, now that gas prices are high and getting higher, I’m not sure what to do. I own a house. Selling it right now would be bad timing, even if I could find a buyer. And I don’t really want to sell. It’s the first house I’ve ever owned and I want to keep it. Take a bus to work? Impossible. I commute 46 miles one way to get to my job. There are no busses. I can’t possibly bike that far. Even on my scooter, it would take me nearly two hours one way. And we have a cold winter in Wisconsin, where NO ONE can ride a bike or scooter without freezing to death.
So what am I supposed to do? I’ve tried and tried to get a job closer to home, but companies in Wisconsin seem to think they don’t need to pay you much. I can’t pay my bills on the money they offer me.
I admit I’m concerned, and I’d love to cut my fuel consumption down/out, but it just isn’t possible to do that right now. No way do I want to fill up twice a week (I drive a 37 mpg Honda Civic) but if I want to get to work, that’s what I do.
I was on vacation last week. I wanted to go to the nearest town. I didn’t drive. I rode the scooter. Took me 40 minutes to travel 20 miles. I didn’t mind. But it’s summer now and I don’t work in that town. I really wish I did!
July 23rd, 2007 at 2:52 am
Let’s assume that re-urbanization and imposing taxes to decrease oil consumption are unlikely to happen before the Malthusian nightmare (see May 11 comment) descends.
Here’s a practical (and audacious) solution: Use the wind power available in the middle troposphere, where winds are consistent and strong. The Economist recently reported on three promising projects underway (in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands).
http://www.economist.com/search/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9249242
A few well-placed fleets of tethered flying electric generators could provide most of the electricity demand of all American industry and cities. If the electricity is used to separate hydrogen, and if a widespread hydrogen distribution system replaces our present gasoline distribution industry, we could find ourselves not only liberated from our present oil addiction, but also breathing clean air.
Sounds good to me. Any comments?
Vince in Grand Rapids