Peak Oil

On the first year of my Computer Engineering studies at ITBA, I took the "Formacion General" coursework, which I'd translate into "General Knowledge". Altough this was regarded as an easy, general course among the young students, I've always enjoyed those classes and pay special attention to Professor Roberto Devoto crystal-clear, inspiring insights on diverse topics such as history and society, economics, politics, engineering, manufacturing, technology, etc. A few years later, I would become one of his teacher assistants in the Discrete Mathematics course -for which I'm extremelly grateful-.

Anyway, I still remember going through some basic mathematical world population growth models (see Thomas Malthus). We also went through the different energy sources and their role in our modern-world economics. I remember thinking about the Malthusian catasthrophe, ultimately relating it to the problem of using non-reusable energy sources as the foundation for our modern-world economy.

I was very excited about learning all this, but I was also a bit worried about our future. Now almost 10 years later, a very good friend of mine just sent me this link:

http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/

Few days ago, President George W. Bush has addressed this in the State of the Union:

" ... Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources -- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research -- at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy. (Applause.)

We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars, and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We'll also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn, but from wood chips and stalks, or switch grass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years. (Applause.)

Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will help us reach another great goal: to replace more than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. (Applause.) By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past. (Applause.)

And to keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity..."

When I read this last phrase on human talent and creativity, my brain goes back to Roberto's teaching methods.

It seems we haven't advanced much on this problem for the last decade. This is really sad and I recognize this is tough material, but that's exactly what makes it so important for us to try to be smarter and do something about it.