This is a timely and somewhat understated warning about what lies ahead in the not-too-distant future. Techno-optimists who suggest that the market will discover alternative sources of energy show a profound lack of understanding of basic physics. There is nothing on earth that can provide the convenience and efficiency of oil. Biomass, coal, hydrogen etc all depend on cheap oil for their production, and our food production is greatly 'subsidised' by cheap oil. As this cheap oil disappears - as it seems is happening right now - the reality of our situation will become clearer.

One of the best (and slightly more alarmist) discussions of this topic can be found here: http://www.animana.org/tab1/13joyridetoglobalcollapse.shtml