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Time for ‘bold action’ to reduce oil use in Greater Sudbury - John Hood

A report on peak oil and energy security, published in February 2010 by a United Kingdom industry task force, predicts steep oil price increases and gasoline supply shortages by 2014-2015.
A report on peak oil and energy security, published in February 2010 by a United Kingdom industry task force, predicts steep oil price increases and gasoline supply shortages by 2014-2015.

The conclusions of the report are based on studies demonstrating that the global peak production rate for oil is likely to occur within the next decade (maybe within five years) at a value no higher than 92Mb/d (million barrels per day).

This compares with the current record extraction rate of 87Mb/d, set in July 2008.  The recent global economic recession had a “silver lining,” in that it probably delayed peak oil production by two years.

The report predicts this surge in oil prices will lead to another global economic recession similar to that initiated by the 2007-2008 rapid rise in oil prices, from which the world is just now beginning to recover. 

It is not too late for action, according to the report, which says, “The next five years will see us face another crunch - the oil crunch. This time, we do have the chance to prepare. The challenge is to use that time well.”

It continues, “As we reach maximum oil extraction rates, the era of cheap oil is behind us. We must plan for a world in which oil prices are likely to be both higher and more volatile and where oil price shocks have the potential to destabilise economic, political and social activity.”

And, “The credit crunch of 2008 foreshadowed major economic, political and social upheaval. It stress tested the responses of governments, policy-makers and businesses to the extreme. If only there had been greater time to prepare for its impact and a greater level of understanding about the issues.”

Canada’s economy is highly dependent on oil. Many Canadians believe western Canada’s oil sands deposits will be our salvation. The oil sands, however, are a major atmospheric carbon emitter, which will exacerbate global climate change significantly, while also fouling the region’s water supply. 

Should we all be driving hybrids to prepare for the impending high oil prices and volatility? Perhaps, but the report asserts, “There is real danger that the focus on technological advances in cars is making consumers and governments complacent.”

Policymakers in Greater Sudbury should take the following steps to mitigate this impending crisis:

-  Support greater planning and funding for public transit, including expanding routes throughout the region with a fleet of “mini” buses on collection routes, transporting riders to major routes.

-  Support planning for less energy-intensive forms of urban development (less sprawl, more transit-oriented housing, retail and businesses).

-  Transition to more energy-efficient transportation fleets or vehicles.

-  Co-ordinate policy mechanisms and organizational practices to create a behavioural shift from private car use to other more sustainable forms of mobility, including public transit, car sharing, cycling and walking.

-  Encourage, enable and practice smart green community tactics such as local shops and stores, and local athletic and parks facilities.

-  Promote and support locally generated sustainable energies such as wind power, photovoltaic electricity generation, solar thermal and earth energy systems.

-  Co-ordinate policy and financing mechanisms, such as applying local improvement charges to residential buildings, to promote and support Sudburians to energy retrofit their homes. This is particularly critical in older areas throughout the City where many homes are poorly insulated and many homeowners are unable to afford to do the necessary energy retrofits.

- Promote and support local food production, processing and distribution.

-  Promote and support the development and creation of local industries and businesses, particularly those with a focus on green technologies. 

In a recent presentation to the Community Adjustment Committee, Chris Gibbons of Littleton, Colorado, who spoke about “economic gardening” said, “Sudbury has a lot of energetic people and a great foundation for an ‘innovative’ future.” 

He said hunting for big corporate relocations to the community often doesn’t work.  “What you’ve really got to do is stay home and work with your local companies and kind of fertilize and water and weed and just help them do better,” said Gibbons. And, “if you can get help to those companies and speed up the rate at which they (grow) then they start creating jobs as well, then that feeds into all the other parts of the economy.”

In his February 2009 message to the nation, United States President Barack Obama said, “History reminds us that at every moment of economic upheaval and transformation, this nation has responded with bold action and big ideas.” 
It is time for “bold action and big ideas” in Greater Sudbury.

John Hood is a retired dean of computer and engineering technology at Cambrian College and co-chair of the EarthCare Sudbury steering committee.


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