$20 a Gallon

April 18, 2010 · Posted in Opinion 

I just finished reading $20 a Gallon: How the Inevitable Rise in the Price of Gasoline Will Change Our Lives for the Better by Christopher Steiner. It discusses the changes that will occur in the economy and society as energy (not just petroleum) gets more expensive. The end of SUVs, Mcmansions and air travel seems obvious. Expensive energy also means greater population density, healthier people and more small farms. Some remote towns will die, but others will surge with life. Americans will manufacture products again. We’ll create less garbage, and when we do buy stuff, it will be made of bio-based materials. We’ll wear natural fibers from nearby sources. Exurbs will wither, while dense urban communities will thrive. Many of these developments are poised for rapid growth. The technology is ready. The main obstacle is artificially cheap energy. While none of these are earth-shattering revelations to us greenies, Christopher tells a good story and weaves in many interesting facts to support the theme. If he’s right, we’re on the right track, folks!

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