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The Problem with Cheap Oil by Michael Klare

Salon.com has a sobering piece by Michael Klare on the potential impacts on rising and falling gas prices. It reminded me of the observations made by Richard Heinberg at our opening program - that prices will rise again and rise sharply; that fluctuating oil prices make it difficult to sustain a commitment to conservation and develop fuel alternatives. Klare concludes that "even with prices as low as they are, we cannot escape the consequences of our addiction to oil." The full text is here: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/01/09/oil/index.html
‹ When population growth and resource availability collide If the U.S. population continues to grow, and the World's supply of fresh water decreases, can the U.S. issue a "One Child" law. ›
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:06pm — sedens91

Fuel Efficiency

I agree that we need to continue finding cheaper ways of fueling our cars. Not only does lowering the dependency on gasoline encourage competition in the car industry, but it means that America is searching for a way to not depend on other countries for the fuel. Looking into our own resources to fuel our automobiles gives entrepenuers more opportunities to be creative and effects Amercia in more economic ways than just the cost of gas itself.
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:14pm — BBrowning753

Just a thought, but from a

Just a thought, but from a business perspective, why would I use my own resources, before using someone elses? 

Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:16pm — sedens91

If it gave you independence

If it gave you independence from the other you are borrowing from, and allow you to pay what you wanted and improve yourself economically, I think you would be more willing to look into ways to use your own resources.
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:15pm — lizet91

Valid point, Bob but if

Valid point, Bob but if everyone thought that way and everyone decided to just use as much as they wanted and never shared, we would be in a horrid state of scarcity.

 

Wait, arent we already?

Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:17pm — BBrowning753

Well, that would be idea,

Well, that would be ideal, but people who actually work in these industries and want to make a profit aren't going to be too keen on sharing.  This isn't the warm fuzzy story.
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:05pm — jlegs

Oil and the Economy

 There seems to be a direct relationship between the economy and oil. For example, when the price of oil goes up, the economy does better. As the price goes down, the economy is going down with it. So, is it really that good when the price of gas is under $2? Many people think it's a good thing, but in the real world, it's not! Oil must rise in price soon!

Have a nice day

Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:15pm — dtribley

I will

That is a remarkable comment jlegs.  Look at the economy now and the price of oil.  The economy has gone down along with the price of oil.  Great point.
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:11pm — ebohm

Oil Rich Countries and Recession

When was the last time you heard about the strong governments of Iran, Russia, and Venezuala? Maybe when oil was well over $100 per barrel. The countries were financial powerhouses when oil was so expensive, however now they do not feel as strong because they are feeling the reprecussions of the global recession. Their wealth and political power is built on the consumption of oil. So, when the price of oil declines, so does their power. In a roundabout way is this recession global recession good for the U.S.?
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 1:16pm — jlegs

 In that case, it is

 In that case, it is partially good for the U.S. because these countries are getting less money for their oil. Some of the money that we pay to these countries support groups that the U.S. is against. If the U.S. could drill for oil on the coast, we would be doing a whole lot of good for the people in the U.S. by not supporting these countries.

 

 

Have a nice day

Tue, 03/17/2009 - 12:58pm — balandavis

Cheap Oil

Cheap prices at the pump may seem like a godsend, but don't be fooled. High gas prices were pushing American auto makers to produce energy efficient cars. Now that prices are under two dollars and Americans aren't demanding electric cars, companies like GM and Chrystler will surly fall even further behind in the race against Toyota and Honda. Like it or not, GM has a huge impact on the stock market and our economy. Their success is curucial-- American demand for alternatice fuel vehicles needs to continue.

Mon, 03/16/2009 - 1:19pm — krominga09

i am a believer that there

i am a believer that there us a problem with cheap oil because that means it has resulted in a bad economy. Average Americans do not have the money to travel, so as a result the prices drop. The prices will only rise if the recession ends.
Mon, 01/12/2009 - 9:09pm — HChockalingam

Skeptic or Believer

(Looking at this issue scientifically) As I've learnt in my science class all scientiffic issues are controversial, because sometimes they can be hard to understand. (Example: With the issue of Global warming there are some skeptics and some believers). But I am very skeptical yet I agree to this issue of cheap oil.

Why Skeptical

- There will only be an increase in this price of oil during times of war or other crisis and won't fluctuate over time.

- There are other fuel alternatives that are being made - like biofuel, hydrogen celled cars -?, or electric cars, and cellulosic ethanol.

Why a believer

- As oil is a non- renewable source there is a chance where there could be an "actual" shortage of oil causing for prices increases again.