John Howe, Author, "The End of Fossil Energy and a Plan for Sustainability"

With only 30 to 50 years of oil left in the world at the current rate of consumption, everyone who consumes energy -- and that's everyone -- should be prepared for a major, potentially catastrophic societal change when fossil fuels are depleted. And guess what? Hydrogen isn't the answer - it comes from natural gas, and it's running out too.

John Howe, a retired engineer and great-grandfather living in Norway, Maine, delivered a shocking account of the true state of the world's remaining fossil fuel reserves, summing up the conclusions of his self-published book, "The End of Fossil Energy and a Plan for Sustainability" at our July 12th meeting.

Anyone hoping for a miracle better start praying for one instead, if we are to believe Mr. Howe's book. The energy alternatives being touted in the mass media as replacements for fossil fuels are either unproven, or woefully inadequate to replace the enormously concentrated energy contained in these ancient deposits, the reserves of which are most defintely finite.

Solar powered airplanes? Not likely. Hydrogen cars? Most of our supply of hydrogen currently comes from natural gas, which is itself in decline. And anyone who expects the sea to be transformed into a giant fuel supply should understand that it takes more energy to separate the hydrogen from water than the hydrogen itself eventually provides.

Just as the dotcoms burned through other people's money, humans today are burning through oil reserves dear to all of humanity. These reserves took millions of years to accrue through natural processes, and once gone, they will never be replaced. At least not in the foreseeable future.

What's more, we are simply setting fire to an irreplaceable source of fertilizers, lubricants and other materials, like plastics, that our descendants will require to sustain our civilization as we know it beyond this century.

We may be in for a nasty shock -- and surprise! -- during most of our own lifetimes. Retirement won't be pretty in the dark. And transformative new technologies are unlikely to emerge out of the anarchy and chaos of a sudden energy system collapse.

If you would like a copy of Mr. Howe's book, which summarizes the subject of fossil fuel depletion and has some urgent suggestions for how we might stave off catastrophe long enough to adapt to a new energy model, contact John Howe at howe@megalink.net or visit the publisher's website at www.mcintirepublishing.com. To cover printing and shipping costs, a $10.00 donation is suggested, but not necessary.