David Holmgren is co-originator (with Bill Mollison) of the
permaculture concept and author of the recent book, PERMACULTURE:
Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. He talks about the need
to move beyond the lulling hope that 'green tech' breakthroughs will
allow world-wide 'sustainable consumption' to the recognition that
dwindling oil supplies inevitably mean a mandatory 'energy descent' for
human civilization across the planet.
He observes that Americans' global leadership was not based on brillance -- but abundant oil resources that provided energy for rapid growth, political dominance and mobility. Ouch!
Holgren argues that permaculture
principles provide the best guide to a peaceful societal 'powering
down.
Excellent, thoughtful overview of a pathway to a more sustainable role of energy in a more peaceful world.
