May 8, 2005: The Coming Energy Crisis - Howard Kunstler
The Art Bell Archive · Arthur William Bell III
November 17, 20252h 54m
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Show Notes
Guest host Mark Fellen welcomes author James Howard Kunstler to discuss his book and Rolling Stone article, both titled "The Long Emergency." Kunstler explains the concept of peak oil, noting that U.S. oil production peaked in 1970 and global production is now approaching a similar tipping point. He details how the second half of the world's oil supply will be harder and more expensive to extract.
Kunstler examines the geopolitical dimensions of the crisis, from the real strategic reasons behind the Iraq War to China's quiet maneuvering for energy resources worldwide. He warns that China could eventually offer Middle Eastern nations an alternative to American protection, fundamentally reshaping global alliances. The conversation also addresses the myths of self-refilling oil fields and capped American wells, dismissing both as wishful thinking.
The discussion turns to suburbia, which Kunstler calls "the greatest misallocation of resources in the history of the world." He argues that America's economy has become dangerously dependent on building and servicing suburban infrastructure, and predicts significant pressure on this way of life within 36 months as energy markets destabilize.
Kunstler examines the geopolitical dimensions of the crisis, from the real strategic reasons behind the Iraq War to China's quiet maneuvering for energy resources worldwide. He warns that China could eventually offer Middle Eastern nations an alternative to American protection, fundamentally reshaping global alliances. The conversation also addresses the myths of self-refilling oil fields and capped American wells, dismissing both as wishful thinking.
The discussion turns to suburbia, which Kunstler calls "the greatest misallocation of resources in the history of the world." He argues that America's economy has become dangerously dependent on building and servicing suburban infrastructure, and predicts significant pressure on this way of life within 36 months as energy markets destabilize.