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Observations on Agriculture, Oil Consumption, and Sustainability in the U.S.

This analysis explores the interconnections between agriculture, oil consumption, and sustainability, focusing on data from U.S. farmers in 1840 and 2008. Drawing insights from credible sources such as the U.S. Census and Stanford Research Institute, the study examines the implications of “Peak Oil” and the historical context of energy consumption. It highlights challenges posed by declining net energy and the urgent need for ethical and sustainable energy practices. Featuring quotes from experts like David Holmgren and Richard Heinberg, it emphasizes the importance of adapting gracefully to energy constraints.

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Observations on Agriculture, Oil Consumption, and Sustainability in the U.S.

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  1. Some Observations Agriculture, Oil Consumption, and ‘Sustainability’

  2. US Farmers, 1840 Source: US Census and American Community Survey

  3. US Farmers, 1840 & 2008 Source: US Census and American Community Survey

  4. US vs Lancaster County Source: US Census and American Community Survey

  5. Or should I say…

  6. La Tour Eiffel

  7. One Cubic Mile of Oil (CMO) Source: Stanford Research Institute

  8. CMO Equivalence Source: Stanford Research Institute

  9. CMO Equivalence Not to scale (in case you were wondering) Source: The Oil Drum and my own calculations

  10. Thus I conclude…

  11. Definition of Unsustainable That which cannot be sustained. That which will end. …when?

  12. What is ‘Peak Oil’?

  13. Oil-Producing Nations (98) Post-Peak Oil Producers (64) www.lastoilshock.com

  14. We must assume....

  15. Peak Oil

  16. And now for some possibly alarming quotations....

  17. “The world has never faced a problem like this. Without massive mitigation…the problem will be pervasive and will not be temporary. Previous energy transitions were gradual and evolutionary. Oil peaking will be abrupt and revolutionary.” The Hirsch ReportU.S. Department of EnergyFebruary 2005

  18. To Mend, to Tend, to Restore “The real issue of our age is how we make a graceful and ethical descent.” David Holmgren Permaculture: Principles and PathwaysBeyond Sustainability

  19. Energy Descent “…the continual decline in net energy supporting humanity, a decline that mirrors the ascent in net energy that has taken place since the Industrial Revolution.” —Rob Hopkins Founder, Transition Town Totnes The world's first Transition Initiative

  20. “It’s like growing old. You can’t solve that. However, you can choose to respond respectfully, wisely and imaginatively to it, so that even ageing can become a source of unexpected riches.” Richard Heinberg

  21. Putting it All in Perspective

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