Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Decline in Earth"s Resources

The 20th century saw unprecedented growth in population, food production and energy consumption. As the population shifted from rural areas to urban cities, the human impact on the environment increased dramatically. The 21st century has ushered in an era of decline in a number of crucial areas: global oil, natural gas and coal extraction; minerals and ores, such as copper and platinum; economic growth; yearly grain harvests; fresh water; climate stability; and, population. To adapt to this profoundly different world, we must now begin to make radical changes to our attitudes, behaviours and expectations. Peak Everything addresses many of the cultural, psychological and practical changes we will need to make as nature rapidly dictates our new limits. This latest book from Richard Heinberg, author of three acclaimed books on Peak Oil, touches on the most important aspects affecting humanity at this momentous time. A combination of wry commentary and sober forecasting on subjects as diverse as farming and industrial design, Peak Everything indicates how we might make the transition from the Age of Excess to the Era of Modesty with grace and satisfaction, while preserving the best of our collective achievements. A must-read for individuals, business leaders and policy makers who are serious about effecting real change.