Comments | eryndel: The 21st Century

eryndel

The 21st Century

Apr 16, 2005 18:13

This has be weighing on me for a while, so here it goes.
( Cut because it’s political, eschatological, and just really, really long )

Comments 9

maliszew April 17 2005, 04:12:30 UTC

Not much to discuss really. I agree with you almost completely. :)

cyphersmith April 17 2005, 16:58:24 UTC

I definitely agree with what you have said, Warner. A lot of the alternatives to oil are dismissed, and as they become used, the need for oil will decrease. For example, if it becomes unnecessary to use oil derivatives to run cars, then a lot of the oil use that is currently happening will disappear. Also, while he is correct that there have not been many new sources of oil found, it is true that underneath the Siberian tundra is a vast supply of oil. It is unused because the infrastructure to extract it does not exist. That may well change when it becomes obvious of the need.

The biggest question I have is whether we actually have reached the peak that he is talking about. I know that at least a portion of the reason oil prices are so high right now is that OPEC has cut production.

cyphersmith April 17 2005, 17:36:53 UTC

Just remembered one other thing that was mentioned in the article that is misinformation. He says that because platinum is so rare, fuel cells are a nonviable option. The bit of misinformation here is that platinum is not the only thing that can be used as a catalyst for fuel cells, and I have even seen one article stating that iron is a possibility as a catalyst, which would dramatically reduce the cost of the fuel cells.

eryndel April 18 2005, 01:22:52 UTC

I'd have to guess the peak is near. Since few if anyone really knows how much available oil is accessible and it's hard to gauge future consumption, I doubt anyone really knows when we'll hit peak. All anyone can do is make projections and those projections are skewed depending if the person is optimistic or conservative. From all the varied sources I've read I can believe we'd see peak in perhaps 5-10 years but that's just a guess on my part.

fliberdygibits April 18 2005, 00:28:20 UTC

I think when it all boils down, most of my alarm over it was the things mankind is much less likely to achieve in my lifetime because of it. Things that I had hoped to see.

Just the idealist in me I guess..... No, hopefullist:)

OT gwenaiver April 21 2005, 19:05:47 UTC

Who are you and why am I onyour friend's list?

-Issy

Re: OT eryndel April 21 2005, 21:57:39 UTC

I'm post office lady's husband, we met at hez's party.

Re: OT gwenaiver April 22 2005, 15:40:05 UTC

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH OK!!!

hehenahaole May 13 2005, 00:42:12 UTC

Hiya Warner--this is Sam (Burt's roommate; we met a couple times ( ... )