Category Archives: 3) Fast Crash

The case for a fast, rather than a slow one. Most societies crashed in 20 years or less. There has never been or will be again a crash like ours, where the world of 7 billion people became utterly dependent on a non-renewable source of energy — fossil fuels.

When will gold production peak?

Figure 1. Mine production of gold worldwide from 2010 to 2024 (in metric tons). Source: USGS – Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025, page 83 Preface.  Ores are decreasing in gold concentrations, and found in deeper and more remote places, requiring more … Continue reading

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Why do leaders & the public deny peak oil & limits to growth?

Preface.  It’s strange that we’re on the cusp of Peak Oil, and yet the only existential threat you ever hear about is Climate Change. The New York Times has mentioned climate change over 15,000 times the past 5 years, and … Continue reading

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Vaclav Smil on why there will be no energy transition

Preface. This post has excerpts from energy expert Vaclav Smil‘s 2024 free paper “Halfway between Kyoto and 2050“. Smil’s book is free, here. Below is a shortened, reworded article from Scientific American in 2014 written by Smil on this topic … Continue reading

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Egads! An unfair distribution of wealth is good for the climate

Preface. Good grief!!! I never thought I would write a post with that title. I am pro Democracy, pro fair distribution of wealth!  As you can see at posts here. But it has occurred to me that if if everyone … Continue reading

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Book review of 2024 Scheyder “The War Below”

Preface.  This post has excerpts from Scheyder’s 2024 “The War Below” about the  metals and minerals renewables will need – over 6 times more than fossil fueled internal combustion vehicles, natural gas and coal plants, and nuclear power (IEA 2021). … Continue reading

Posted in Energy Books, Limits To Growth, Mining, Peak Copper, Peak Critical Elements, Peak Rare Earth Elements | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Summary of Greenpeace “Nuclear Reactor Hazards”

Source: Nuclear power is dirty, dangerous and expensive. Say no to new nukes. Preface.  This is a summary of: Hirsch H (2005) Nuclear Reactor Hazards Ongoing Dangers of Operating Nuclear Technology in the 21st Century.  Greenpeace International. The revival of … Continue reading

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Richard Heinberg: Environmental-Political Collapse Accelerates

Preface. Another wise post with great insights and predictions about where we are today from Richard Heinberg, the foremost scholar of Peak oil, overshoot, ecology, and more. Some excerpts: “…A basic understanding of overshoot reveals that our modern industrial way … Continue reading

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Peak Helium

Preface. Attention all you capitalists who think we can grow forever on a finite planet. Stuff can run out! Helium is the only element on earth that is completely nonrenewable.   A supply crisis is expected by 2060 (Hu 2025). Commercial helium … Continue reading

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The Nuclear Bomb is Back!

Preface. If you are not worried about nuclear war anymore, you should be. We have accidentally come close so many times.

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Nuclear power is not the solution

Preface. This is a book review of Ramana’s “Nuclear is not the Solution: The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change.” A great overview that covers many topics, one of the best out there, and most recent. … Continue reading

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