via Why stimulus can’t fix our energy problems
Reblogged from Damn the Matrix
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via Why stimulus can’t fix our energy problems
Reblogged from Damn the Matrix
Foodnstuff 
July 23, 2019 at 4:31 pm |
In conclusion, the price for companies to produce energy will be too high. They will merely shut down, and all the economic ramifications will flow through the system. It was a good summary of why economic stimulus won’t fix the energy problems.
My main concern isn’t the economy, so much as the desperate measures, mankind will inflict upon the earth to stay in surplus. It’s the natural consequences (of such activities) which will cause the most devastation.
I’m reminded of Geoff’s Lawtons’ analogies of goats in the desert. If left to their own devices, they will strip everything to dust. That’s what humans do, in their hunger for energy acquisition. But then Geoff, and other radical thinkers like him, also provide solutions. Teaching to design human systems, focussed on capturing and multiplying natural energy.
I still think we can do more for energy efficiencies. Like focusing on local supply, rather than trading in massive surpluses, to run network wide supply – far and beyond.
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July 23, 2019 at 7:38 pm |
In the future everything will be small-scale and local and with a lot less people. It’s getting from here to there that’s going to be a bit traumatic. We need many more Geoff Lawtons with his infectious enthusiasm in the system. I hope he never gives up hope.
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July 24, 2019 at 1:32 pm |
I haven’t seen many of Geoff’s students, ready to fill his shoes just yet. Maybe they need more hands-on experience, considering Geoff has been working in permaculture design for a few decades now.
One guy stands out to me though, and his name is John Kaisner. Otherwise known as the Natural Farmer, on Youtube. He’s worked in poor countries for Not-For-Profit companies, for many years. So his angle is, you have to start with what you’ve got (ie: nature), and not become dependent on inputs.
Which is why he stands out to me, as a permaculture designer. There’s a lot of talk about natural design in permaculture, but very little is done using what’s growing locally. He’s not a purist, and will use technology and inputs if required. But his designs (at least on Youtube) seem to involve, using only inputs, sourced locally.
I know your’e familiar with Cam Wilson too. He’s gone quiet, online since 2014. A shame. But he started with permaculture, and ventured more into Natural Sequence Farming techniques. Another good example, of use what’s growing naturally.
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July 24, 2019 at 7:04 pm |
I don’t know John Kaisner…..I’ll check him out. Thanks. I did my PDC with Cam Wilson; great teacher.
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July 24, 2019 at 12:57 pm |
Further to our discussion on local supply, some of that is playing out in parts of NSW and southern Queensland, at the moment. Over water. Towns are at risk of running dry, unless serious rain arrives soon. But they’re predicting another El Nino for summer, which won’t bring it.
It’s too big a cost for local Councils, so they’re hitting up the States, which are hitting up the Federal govt, for water infrastructure funds. One fo the Mayor comments, was nothing is done to help local councils on water infrastructure, until something like this happens.
In your and my case though, we’ve have to sure up our water supplies, early. Which isn’t to say, they won’t dry up either – given the perfect drought. But to see the very real concern, in some of these rural townships, it makes you realise, things are often left a long time, before anything is done to address the local supply problem.
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July 24, 2019 at 7:28 pm |
People don’t seem to give any thought to resilience. So used to flipping a switch or turning on a tap and expecting electricity and water to flow. A water tank should be a #1priority, even if town water is available, together with at least 2 ways to cook food…..gas and electricity. We’ve always known of this country’s variable weather, yet most don’t do anything to prepare for its vagaries, until it’s too late. That’s why I like the permaculture concept that ‘every element in a pc design should perform more than one function’ and ‘essential services should be provided by more than one element.’ Even being aware of edible ‘weeds’ is knowledge worth having.
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July 31, 2019 at 10:17 am |
Oh, I agree on both counts. Permaculture practices resilience, at the design, and implementation phase. Not as an afterthought.
Second count, on how people come to rely on govt infrastructure though, as their back-up. Expecting the various levels of govt, to deliver a new solution. This stems from the baby boomer period, where it was necessary to build reserves, like dams and in some cases (not enough) hydro electricity. Govt was planning for catering, an increase in population – and for things to go wrong..
That same kind of planning, hasn’t been implemented for a while though, even when climate was becoming an issue. I guess it’s easy to become complacent, when there’s abundance.
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