Way back in ’91, a whole bunch of oil went up in flames. That was also on the other side of the planet. I was finishing high school at the time but the issue hit home hard: everything we have relies on oil!
I subsequently used this point as a teacher to get my students to think objectively, just as a quick exercise asking, ‘What in this room is not made with or needed fuel?’
Some students, the cleverer ones, glance around the room and say, ‘Plants’. I asked them how the plant arrived in the room: ‘Where did it come from?’
30-odd years ago I realised that oil is essential to everything that we need. This year I realised that our species depends upon this energy source to continue growing. Oil is the foundational energy of our species’ civilisation.
As a teenager, I could not believe that our government did not immediately pivot away from oil and begin creating energy independence. Then when solar and wind started about 20 years ago, I could not believe that all reports indicating that renewables only work when decentralised were ignored.
Then Australia began adopting American and German SUVs and trucks. 2.5 tonne 4WDs with a 20l/100k consumption? Walkable cities and public transport lost out to 8 lane freeways and more car parks.
And now, 30 years later, we find ourselves in a worse predicament. We have a larger population in larger cars using far more fuel, and just to sit for a couple of hours on the freeway to work, pop down the shops or drop the kids off at school.
And the phases of ausgov politicians to shipping interruptions: ‘No, there’s no problem… oh, it’s all the Australian’s fault… we have plenty of supply (fuel shortages announced)…’
How about rationing?
I’m really happy I have a small and efficient car. 4.8l/100k is my best.
I watch huge American trucks and crossovers drive past, windows up despite cool weather. The lowest I get with the aircon on is 6.6l/100k.
No recommendations to car pool or reduce consumption, no tips about accelerating slowly or turning off climate control with the windows down. No body in this country actually walks anymore. No plan, no response, no guidance.
And yet most Australians are polling in favour of this government which refuses to investigate fraud, protect the citizens who vote for them, or enact policy to strengthen our resources. There’s just denial, distraction and defensiveness.
Albo earns a minimum of $622,000 a year. I’m quite sure an extra dollar a litre for petrol is not a concern which reaches him.
Still, I am glad this is happening simply because Australians are being faced with a dose of reality. Sustainability requires some very clever prioritising and this is nothing beyond our capacities.
A D R A N 