We can’t keep on ignoring the looming oil crisis
Petrol prices are soaring, gas prices are set to rise by 25% in October, and ESB rates are increasing, too. Where is it all going to end?
National Geographic recently published an article entitled ‘After Oil - Powering the Future?’
The author seemed to imply that we have about 50 years to find an economically viable alternative to fossil fuels or we are doomed.
What I can’t understand is that if oil and gas are really running out, why are we all hell-bent on consuming them as fast as possible?
Why does the Government not give people grants to install solar panels? It wouldn’t replace other sources of energy, but at least it might allow us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We hear about conserving energy, recycling and protecting the environment all the time, but I don’t think the average citizen has any idea about how serious this is. Surely it’s time for us to be told the truth. We all need to take this seriously. We can’t keep on consuming and consuming. We need to start conserving. Our society depends on it. Do we really want to go back to a life without cars, central heating, electricity?
I suppose the one advantage of soaring prices is that they will force us to burn less oil and gas.
But I still think we should be doing more. If everyone had solar panels, if there were more wind farms, if there was more production of biodiesel, this would slow down our consumption of fossil fuels at least enough to give us more time to find an alternative.
Lucia O’Donovan
29 Dunbar Street
Cork
