Interesting topic, thank you. I wonder if any of the politicians know what they are talking about when they spout “energy independence.” When it comes to oil, we are locked into a certain amount of dependence forever. As I understand it, we need more refining capability; not sure what has held this up.
However, peak oil has some validity to it. We are well past our peak. And, for example, some of our resources are far more expensive to extract than the final product would be worth. The global oil market determines international politics, to say the least.
As for lifestyle changes, I would be all for being less car-dependent. Here in the big city, people could easily reduce car use by 1/3 if they had a mind to, but most prefer the car to stretching their legs a bit.
Also, I think straw-bale construction and energy-efficient remodeling are worth looking into. I would think FReepers would admire “off the grid” living.
Straw-bale construction? What a fire hazard (when dry)! Not tornado-proof either. And turns moldy and decomposes if it gets wet.
Only if it's done voluntarily, rather than coreced by dystopia-worshipping Marxists...
I like my car because I cna drive where I want to when I want to and not depend on someone else. It’s called freedom, and the Marxists don’t like it.
I can live “off the grid” if that is what it comes down to. I have an acre of land to plant, plenty of lead for bullets and the tools to build shelter(s), nearby rivers and an ocean to fish....Hey, why am I still working?!!! ;-)
I like my car and will continue to use it as long as I can, because:
1. My wife and I have family all over. We fly when we can, and drive at other times.
2. There’s no mass transit convenient to us unless we DRIVE to it first, or take a bus (in my wife’s case.)
3. I want to go where I want, when I want, and not have to depend on someone else to get me there.