JOYENGINE: cause sharing is cool

Oil, arguably the worlds most requisite commodity, hit a new high last week coming in just above $116 a barrel. Yet, there wasn’t a shortage, there were no embargoes, and gasoline was readily available at the pump, albeit highly priced… all a function of demand. The world population is set to grow by 50%, reaching 9 billion by mid-century, the number of vehicles on the world’s roads is set to double in roughly 30 years bringing the tally to 2 billion. Developing nations like China and India are following the US model of growth and consuming more oil than ever, and you can’t blame them. Look at where our oil-based diet led the United States … oh, wait… into a war over oil? The world’s oil supplies are stretched. Over the past century we have burned through a trillion barrels of oil. Approximately 1.2 trillion barrels of known “conventional” reserves are claimed to exist, waiting to be tapped (according to the oil barons of the world). Given the current rate of global demand, yet not accounting for significant growth in both China and India’s demand (which is certain to occur), a trillion of those “known” barrels will be exploited in less than 30 years. Sure, there’s more oil out there, in remote countries(who will certainly restrict access), and quite likely at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean, but at what cost will it come? Odds are likely that it will come at a great cost to you, me, and the rest of the citizens of our planet. Right now, could be as good a time as ever to get over your love affair with your car. Consider alternate forms of transportation, ride a bike, take the bus, perhaps even think about moving your family closer to your place of work, or at least ponder the notion of carpooling. We as Americans are clearly living a national lifestyle outside of our means. Think about it. Do you really believe that our government is so freedom-focused and concerned with human rights that nearly 50% of your tax dollars would rightfully be spent “spreading democracy” throughout the Middle East (view the list of the Executive orders signed by Bush from 2001 - 2008). Come on. We’re in the midst of a serious crisis, at home and away, and it’s only going to get worse. The kind of CHANGE that’s needed happens at home, and in small groups… through education, filtering out bogus corporate propaganda, and by seeking out legitimate media outlets in search of the truth. What kind of world do you want to bring your children into? Corruption coupled with over-consumption is nothing new in America, but it’s certainly at an all time high and far from providing a fertile platform for future generations. And, oil consumption is certainly at the heart of the problem.