LinksUnderstanding the crisisHuman FingerprintsThe Union of Concerned Scientists concisely explains how human activities are causing global warming. EcoEquity.org This site is dedicated to making the essential connections between global equity issues and the climate crisis. Highly recommended. Energy Bulletin This excellent online journal is full of informative articles about the crisis of fossil fuels. Click at the top of the page on “peak oil primer” for an introduction to this subject. Wolf at the Door An extensive site packed with information about the future of energy. Very readable pages on peak oil, all of the main energy alternatives, climate change, and future prospects. The future scenarios depicted can be quite scary; bring a friend when you visit those pages! The Lean Guide to Nuclear Energy Excellent information from David Fleming, director of the Lean Economy Connection, explaining why nuclear energy cannot be a major energy source as we transition away from fossil fuels. The Ethics of Biofuels An article about the limitations of this highly touted response to the reduction of fossil fuel resources. Rob Newman’s History of Oil standup routine In this video, Rob Newman makes the history and crisis of oil understandable and funny (especially if you can follow very quick English-accented wit). Peakoilblues.com This site was started by a psychotherapist who wanted to create support for action in response to concerns about peak oil (and related concerns), and avoid the pathologizing of anxiety about it. Solutions and inspirationsThe Simpler WayNo cool photos or artwork, just a straightforward description of how the human species could live well by living simply; in other words, a guide to the future. Yes Magazine This “journal of positive futures” is full of inspiring stories of positive action around the world and visionary essays addressing the most pressing issues we face. The summer 2006 issue focuses on issues related to peak oil, world financial collapse, and global warming. Peak Moment TV Peak Moment TV, a great example of how a lot can be done on a low budget, is a syndicated TV show that travels the US, interviewing innovators of all stripes who are taking concrete action in response to the fossil fuel crises. Joanna Macy Joanna Macy is an activist and Buddhist teacher who has led workshops and written books on the interface between social change and spiritual breakthrough for over 25 years. The City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development The city of Portland, Oregon has much to be proud of, including dramatic success in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. On this site you can also read their Peak Oil Task Force report. Permaculture Principles David Holmgren, co-founder of the sustainability movement Permaculture, has created a fun and informative site that gives a good picture of this powerful philosophy. Global Warming, Local Hope An article by Paul Rogat Loeb on the hopeful efforts of the city of Seattle, and ideas for taking action. See also his books, below. Activist organizationsThe Post Carbon InstituteOne of the best organizations tackling the peak oil crisis. Also home to the Relocalization Network, which supports efforts to get local needs met locally. Transition Towns Rob Hopkins, from Devon, England, has launched an exciting and well-conceived approach to bringing your community down the energy descent curve to a better society. This site is a "wiki," containing contributions from towns undertaking such "Transition Initiatives." 1sky.org A nationwide network taking action on climate change. Coolmayors.org An organization coordinating efforts by city governments to tackle climate change. People Power Santa Cruz An effective local organization working for sustainable transportation options, particularly bicycles. BooksHeat, by George Monbiot.Subtitled How to Stop the Planet from Burning,
this is the best book I have found on stopping catastrophic
climate change. Sets a target for the wealthy countries of
reducing carbon emissions by 90% by 2030, then explains how it
can be done. The key is to rally the political will to do
it. The Transition Handbook, by Rob Hopkins. Subtitled From oil dependency to local
resilience. A great guidebook by the founder of the
Transition Movement (see the link to his website,
above).
Soul of a Citizen and The Impossible Will Take a Little While, both by Paul Rogat Loeb. I highly recommend these.
Soul of a Citizen,
subtitled “Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time,”
is a highly readable discussion of how and why everyday people
become social activists. He deals compassionately with the
feelings of hopelessness, insignificance, burnout, “not
knowing enough,” and so on, that prevent us from becoming
active. The Impossible Will
Take a Little While covers similar territory in a
collection of essays by visionaries including Nelson Mandela,
Martin Luther King, Wendell Berry, Václav Havel, Alice
Walker, and Howard Zinn. “A citizen’s guide to hope
in a time of fear.” Information on buying these books is on
the author’s website.
The Great
Turning, by David
KortenDavid Korten’s excellent
thinking on the possibilities of switching from our 5,000-year
legacy of empire-based civilization to a framework of Earth
Community. Chapter summaries are available on his website.
Plan B 3.0,by Lester R. Brown Lester Brown’s book stands
out because in addition to describing the global crisis in
detail, he also describes realistic solutions in detail. An
extremely well-researched book by the founder of the Earth Policy
Institute. Chapters available online.
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