The bell curve that marks a change in history:
This is the original sketch of M. King Hubbert – a petroleum geologist based in Houston, working for Shell Oil – who in 1956 predicted that U.S. domestic production would peak sometime in the early 1970s. Not a message Shell (or anyone else in Houston) wanted to hear.
The debate raged until 1970, when, indeed, domestic production peaked.
So now the question is: when does world-wide production peak, or has it already? And what are the unpleasant implications of that, particularly when combined with climate change and geopolitical instability?
It’s also the subject of an upcoming PlanTalk, to which you are invited:
The Elephant in the Room: Peak Oil and Climate Change
What are the challenges facing planners and policy makers at our local and regional level in addressing issues related to peak oil and climate change? How can we foster motivation, optimism, and engagement in developing feasible actions that can be made in the immediate and long term to address climate change and peak oil?
Join us at the upcoming Plan Talk to discuss the impact of peak oil and climate change within urban environments and the role that planners can play in addressing the ‘elephant in the room’. This talk will feature speakers that bring a variety of perspectives to the discussion, from engineering, planning, and local and regional governance.
Speakers:
Stuart Ramsey, Transportation Engineer and Planner. Stuart will discuss peak oil and climate change, and its context within an urban environment, specific to transportation. Jason Emmert, Community Development Planner, Smart Growth BC. In addition to moderating the discussion, Jason will also comment on how urban areas have responded to peak oil and climate change issues. Marvin Hunt, City of Surrey Councillor. Marvin will provide comments on how issues related to peak oil and climate change may be addressed at our regional and local levels.
When: Tuesday October 23rd, 6:30pm refreshments * 7:00-9:00 pm speakers & discussion
Where: Chateau Granville (Pigalle Room), 1100 Granville Street (at Helmcken)
Cost: $20 PIBC Members* and other professionals; $10 Students. Payable by cash or cheque at the door. Receipts will be issued.
RSVP to Suzanne Smith by Wednesday October 17, 2007 (SSmith@cnv.org or 604-990-4240) Plan Talk is a speaker series supporting discussion on the challenging and provocative issues of planning practice. Our goal is to link planning professionals and student s to share emerging knowledge and professional wisdom in a relaxed and social forum. Events are open to all interested in participating.
PlanTalk is sponsored by PIBC’s Lower Mainland Chapter. This event will count for 2.0 CPD units for PIBC members.
