We're not quite yet running on empty, but according to some petroleum analysts, we are rapidly nearing the point of maximum global oil production. According to figures cited in the Bottom of the Barrel by George Monbiot, current global oil consumption is 76 million barrels/day, rising to 112m b/d by 2020, "after which projected demand accelerates."

According to Monbiot,

In view of all this, the notion that the war with Iraq had nothing to do with oil is simply preposterous. The US attacked Iraq (which appears to have had no weapons of mass destruction and was not threatening other nations), rather than North Korea (which is actively developing a nuclear weapons programme and boasting of its intentions to blow everyone else to kingdom come) because Iraq had something it wanted. In one respect alone, Bush and Blair have been making plans for the day when oil production peaks, by seeking to secure the reserves of other nations.

To digress briefly, it's my understanding that SUVs now account for 30% of all new vehicles sold. Additionally, the Ford F150 pick-up truck reportedly outsells every other vehicle in the United States.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with Mr. Monbiot, it does seem more than just a little ironic that vehicle preferences in the United States these days have little to do with fuel economy, and a lot to do with a bigger is better mind-set that is driving this nation, if not straight down the road to hell, at least along a course which allows Americans to rationalize vehicle preferences while turning a blind-eye to their part in burning those 76 million barrels a day.

I can hear the protests already: There's plenty of oil; there's no global warming; and no, the United States did not attack Iraq for its oil.

Galbraith's Law

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind
and proving that there is no need to do so,
almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

Galbraith's Law, I think, quite neatly sums up the characteristics of civilization in denial.

S