• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Peak Everything

September 26, 2008 @ 17:50 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

In the past I have written about Peak Oil, Climate Change (Peak Carbon), and Peak Water, but there have been a two more ‘peak moments’ that I have left out. There are more historical peaks not far away, but I will focus on two for this post.
Our civilisation will soon be suffering from Peak Finance, with the US leading the way. You may or may not have read in the media about how the financial crisis (caused by the sub-prime mortgage fiasco in the US) is unfolding, with the collapse of major investment banks around the world, and most stock markets around the globe are in free-fall, with no end in sight. Sounds like a train wreak to me!

So how is this related to the other peak moments that I have mentioned? Well quite simply, without large sums of capital to invest in solving the other three peaks of oil, water, and climate, we are up shit creek without a paddle. It takes money to fix these problems, and from what I can tell, there is not a whole lot of cash to spare at the moment. Credit Card debt is up, and savings (in general) are down. Like I said, not much spare cash. Another blow to the average citizen is that housing prices will soon follow the stock market, and superannuation funds (pensions/401k) are already being stripped of their value by the tumble in the stock market. So who in their right mind would now start to think about saving the planet, or better still, their own sorry arses from catastrophic climate change and peak oil, when their mortgage or rent payments are nearly 50% of their income. Not many I think! Only those who have prepared for the worst, but expect the best, will have a better chance during the pending global financial crisis.

That brings me to another peak, which is Overpopulation. The human race has a current population of just over 6,725,000,000 (Sep 08), with the two most populous countries being India and China. That is a lot of people. It is estimated that by the year 2050 the global pop will be at 9.5 billion. Now if the planet is struggling now to support the 6.7b people, where the hell are the extra 2.8b going to live. The last time I looked we were clearing wilderness at an alarming rate, polluting any place left to live, and growing as much food with petro-based chemicals as we could. Population growth has gone from 1b in 1800 to our current level of 6.725b in just over 200 years. Why, you ask? Because of an abundant source of cheap energy in the form of fossil fuels. Manufacturing and Food production is powered by oil or things made from oil, and this has enabled us to feed, clothe, and shelter the hungry, and in the Western world, the consumerist masses. Stop or reduce the flow of oil and the world population shrinks considerably because we just can’t feed everyone without oil.

Isn’t it strange how all of these ‘peaks’ influence each other. Fossil fuels beget Climate Change. Fossil fuels beget Overpopulation which beget Peak Water. Overpopulation beget greed and fear which caused Peak Finance. Peak Finance will now hinder our ability to combat all the other peaks. The stock market always recovers, doesn’t it? I don’t think the ‘market’ has never before faced peak everything, so only time will tell.

A sorry tale, but unfortunately a true one. And what are we blinkered by this week around Australia, in the footsteps of the fall of the Roman Empire? More bread and circuses in the form of AFL and NRL football finals. Keep the distractions coming, we wouldn’t want to wake up from the Matrix, now would we?

For further information on Peak Everything have a look here and here. We have never seen anything like it before, maybe it is the “Perfect Storm”! However, don’t get discouraged. I believe that if enough of us begin to think globally, but act locally, we will manage just that little bit longer. According to Richard Heinberg here are a few things that are not at their historical peak;

  • Community
  • Personal autonomy
  • Satisfaction from honest work well done
  • Intergenerational solidarity
  • Cooperation
  • Free time
  • Happiness
  • Ingenuity
  • Artistry
  • Beauty of the built environment
All of these things can help with the transition to a simpler world, but first we must build a sense of community. The other great things will follow. Happiness is simplicity itself!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Peak Everything

← Two Egg Wednesday and other stuff Bottled Water Is Unnecessary →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Kel says

    September 26, 2008 at 18:04

    what a truly lovely list. Will have to go read Heineman.

    Reply
  2. Kel says

    September 26, 2008 at 18:06

    oops, Heinberg! Forgot his name half way thru comment

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2008 at 22:36

    how about adding to the list
    Love of our fellow man or woman
    and tollerance of others idiosyncrasies
    love MUM

    Reply
  4. wombat064 says

    September 26, 2008 at 23:35

    Gavin had one more peak in his day…

    Phils chocky biscuits

    Yum eh Gav

    Reply
  5. Sis says

    September 27, 2008 at 10:28

    It truely is an ignorant society when politicians and world leaders have a major crisis and lead the public to believe that they are sorting it out so the soccer mums of the world should continue to wake up in the morning and get the kids bundled up in the 4×4 for the trip to school and come home and clean their homes with all those chemicals and waste every natural resource on the planet, then go buy jimmy new soccer boots on the plastic and jenny new ballet shoes on the plastic because the fatcats have said on national tv that “dont panic” “We are sorting out the crisis”. We, the public are being lulled into a false sense of security just to save the fatcats faces. Sad thing is tho…. even tho the eco footprint I do have on this planet is rather small and I am trying to rectify that in a small but substancial way, I DO know who sleeps better at night and I DONT believe its the fatcats…… Mum very true, tollerance is the key to a better way of life for our babies future….. lotsa love Gav xoxoxox

    Reply
  6. The Tin House says

    September 27, 2008 at 13:14

    And Gavin, (just to add to the list) as the financial crisis hits middle America, Australia etc – the price of fuel will drop as demand decreases and everyone will start using MORE. Lisa x

    Reply
  7. john (dad) says

    September 27, 2008 at 15:44

    the present problems facing the world in regard to the present money crises is the greed of ceo,s and directors on how much money they can get out of the system (greed)and us poor suckers

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Curing Black Olives
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Black Aphids On Garlic
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Connecting Two Rainwater Tanks
Home-made Passata di pomodoro
Chicken Hygiene

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023