Introduction -- The end of cheap energy -- Last one standing: the way of war and competition -- Powerdown: the path of self-limitation, cooperation, and sharing -- Waiting for the magic elixir: false hopes, wishful thinking, and denial -- Building lifeboats: the path of community solidarity and preservation -- Our choice
Summary
If the US continues with current policies, the next decades will be marked by war, economic collapse, and environmental catastrophe. Resource depletion and population pressures are about to catch up with us, and no one is prepared. The political élites, especially in the US, are incapable of dealing with the situation, and have in mind a punishing game of "Last One Standing."The alternative is "Powerdown," a strategy that will require tremendous effort and economic sacrifice in order to reduce per-capita resource usage in wealthy countries, develop alternative energy sources, distribute resour
