Overview From the Publisher:
Since oil is the primary fuel of global industrial civilization, its imminent depletion is a problem that will have profound impact on every aspect of modern life. Without international agreement on how to manage the decline of this vital resource, the world faces unprecedented risk of conflict and collapse.
The Oil Depletion Protocol describes a unique accord whereby nations would voluntarily reduce their oil production and oil imports according to a consistent, sensible formula. This would enable the task of energy transition to be planned and supported over the long term, providing a context of stable energy prices and peaceful cooperation. The Protocol will be presented at international gatherings, initiating the process of country-by-country negotiation and adoption, and mobilizing public support. To this end, this book:
- provides an overview of the data concerning Peak Oil and its timing
- briefly explains the protocol and its implications for the reader and for
decision makers in government and industry around the world
-deals with frequently asked questions and objections, and looks forward
to how the protocol can be adopted and how municipalities and ordinary
citizens can facilitate the process.
Timely and critically important, The Oil Depletion Protocol is a must-read for policy makers and for all who seek to avert a Peak Oil collapse.
Endorsements
"At last – a reality check. Are we ready for the coming decline in oil production? No. Can we prepare for it? Yes. That is what The Oil Depletion Protocol is all about. This is another cutting-edge work from Richard Heinberg. My congratulations." Lester R. Brown, President, Earth Policy Institute
"Stop what you are doing and read this book. It's the clearest explanation of arguably the most devastating crisis of our lifetimes, and it also illuminates the most practical pathway to avert catastrophe. Whatever your field, from business to environment to agriculture, this book will inform all your thinking about the future from here on, and your personal and political engagements in the next crucial decades, as nothing else in print." Jerry Mander, founder, International Forum on Globalization; author of In the Absence of the Sacred and Alternatives to Economic Globalization: a Better World Is Possible
"A strategy for a phased and cooperative post-petroleum world is logical, prudent, and in our self-interest. The alternative is to stumble over the edge into economic hardship and international conflict. In contrast, The Oil Depletion Protocol describes a graceful path to a world of sustainable prosperity that begins in a dialogue about rational responses to the inevitable decline of petroleum." David Orr, Paul Sears Professor of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College and author of Design on the Edge
"With this book, Richard Heinberg thoughtfully analyzes the critical economic problems that will soon arise when we reach Hubbert's peak in world oil depletion. I highly recommend an equally thoughtful reading of this book." Herman E. Daly, Professor, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland
"Richard Heinberg is the world's pre-eminent author on the looming crisis that global petroleum depletion represents. The Oil Depletion Protocol is required reading for political leaders, policy planners and anyone who is hoping for a smooth landing in a world soon to be short on liquid fuels and even shorter on options." Andrew McNamara, MP, Parliament of Queensland, Australia
"Peace and prosperity for your children and grandchildren may be ensured or squandered depending upon whether world leaders commit to work together to overcome the challenges of global peak oil. The United States is the world's largest consumer of oil so Americans have the most to lose from global peak oil - imminent, inevitable and sustained declines in the world supply of conventional oil. Since the U.S. economy is the engine of the world economy, Richard Heinberg's third book about global peak oil, The Oil Depletion Protocol, should be #1 on the reading list of America's leaders as well as the leaders in every oil-consuming and oil-producing nation. The Oil Depletion Protocol provides leaders and citizens a model for discussion and implementation of cooperative steps to reverse the unsustainable trend of increased depletion of the world's rapidly shrinking oil reserves." Roscoe G. Bartlett, Member of US Congress
"The proposal to cut oil imports to match depletion rate seems to be simple common sense. I'm happy to support the Protocol outlined in this book." The Right Honourable Michael Meacher, Member of Parliament, UK
"The Oil Depletion Protocol is set to become a vital tool in the world's attempts to adapt to global oil decline - truly a plan for a sensible energy future. It is clear and conceptually simple in such a way that it can be adopted at every level from international to individual. Get your city, state, and country to adopt the Protocol now!" Julian Darley, founder of Post Carbon Institute and author of High Noon for Natural Gas: The New Energy Crisis
"Richard Heinberg's earlier book The Party's Over set the scene, explaining how the growth of oil supply, which changed the world over the past Century, is giving way to decline from natural depletion. Now, he turns to a sound but simple solution, namely for the countries of the world to agree to cut imports to match what Nature has to offer. It is a well-written readily comprehensible account of a very sensible proposal that ought to be at the head of every government's agenda and may well soon be so as people wake up to the situation and give their governments the mandate for action." C.J.Campbell, Chairman, ASPO
"In this inspirational book, Richard Heinberg has carefully examined the imminent peaking of world oil supplies and the potentially awful consequences for humanity. His very positive conclusion is that if we are to avoid massive disruption and strife, then the Oil Depletion Protocol represents a straightforward route to minimizing human misery and one that is easy and practical to apply." Chris Skrebowski, Editor of Petroleum Review, ODAC Board Member
"Richard Heinberg leads us with logic into a sobering analysis of where we are and where we must go. The very idea of accepting oil depletion protocols and treaties to guard against irresponsible levels of emissions may not be popular or easily endorsable. Yet, in the annals of history it is clear that epochal crises must be faced. The question is whether they are met with intelligence, resolve, and sacrifice or whether decision makers procrastinate to everyone’s eventual peril and suffering. Richard Heinberg’s book is a worthy effort to call us to responsible, rational action as an alternative to “letting it happen” and depending on the invisible hand of chaos. The Oil Depletion Protocol is very timely – and very cogent." The Rt. Hon. Edward Schreyer is former Premier of Manitoba, Governor General of Canada, and High Commissioner to Australia and the South Western Pacific
"More than anyone, Richard Heinberg (in The Party's Over and PowerDown) has awakened us to the terrifying implications of global peak oil and the resulting world economic meltdown. Now, in his latest book, he offers a practical, humane strategy for averting this catastrophe. This book should be read by everyone who believes in the potential for human cooperation and ingenuity to overcome the darkest perils we face." Michael Klare, Professor of Peace & World Security Studies, Hampshire College; author of Blood and Oil: The Dangers and Consequences of America's Growing Dependency on Imported Petroleum
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