The Geographic Difference: Peak Oil in Portland

Portland, Oregon, is perhaps one of the most forward-thinking cities in the Empire. To illustrate Chaos' point that geography matters when it comes to addressing the several looming catastrophes projected to begin soon, the city in 2006 commissioned a "Peak Oil Task Force" to address the problem. The draft recommendations are now out, and they provide an interesting glimpse of how a different mindset will produce a vastly divergent response to a problem which is just now only beginning. The report itself is not illuminating as to the issues ( it is all rather mundane, with transportation, food, land use, and social stability discussed) but as an example of the kind of conversation which needs to be happening everywhere in the Empire (but is not), it is fascinating. Imagine such a "conversation" happening in your city. If you can't, be worried.