Rob Hopkins: Transition to a world without oil

http://www.ted.com Rob Hopkins reminds us that the oil our world depends on is steadily running out. He proposes a unique solution to this problem -- the Transition response, where we prepare ourselves for life without oil and sacrifice our luxuries to build systems and communities that are completely independent of fossil fuels.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate. Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Rob Hopkins
• TED
• TEDTalks
• talks
• oil
• fossil fuels
• energy
• conservation
• technology
• transition
• independence

[ragnarocks0]

i can't help but laugh at part, "We have the elves in the form of China." Brilliant comparison

[greenboy215]

The sun provides mother earth the power to strive for billions of years, don't let toxic fumes infect your lungs and make your immune system weaken. We can rid pollution in big cities but humans have to work together.

[DistantFish]

ahhhh i know this guy :L

[Darrylk22]

oxyhydrogen gas can burn hotter than the sun, and be used a fuel then returns back to water in certain circumstances

[ehpl]

So this is about us taking personal responsibility back from the dependency of the state and multi nationals – It will be interesting to see how the hand full of psychopaths respond to this – for them this takes their power away and replaces the power back in the hands of the people – to a degree at least.

[hastalueguito]

Thank you so much, it's going to be tough, but we are on the right way! lots of love to everyone.

[PM3520]

I've watched this clip many times in the last 2 years, and I think this is the best introduction to the problems we are already facing, and the most hopeful and positive responses imaginable. Rob has served as the catalyst, but only you can take these ideas -- and add your own -- in your community. As new Transition initiatives spring up around the globe, fresh new ideas bubble up, and can be adapted for use all over the globe. What a hopeful and positive way to face these issues! Bravo!

[PM3520]

@linghun Thanks for your reply. We have a finite supply of oil on a finite planet -- there's no "theory" about the world peak of oil production -- it's a geologic fact. It might not happen as soon as many of us predict, but it MUST happen sooner or later. I think it all depends on how you define "standard of living". If we base that definition on quality of life or health, and not the accumulation of wealth, we can achieve a higher standard of living. Explore "Peak Oil" to learn more.

[linghun]

@PM3520 But if everyone believes in this theory, then they will pursue a lower standard of living. You are creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[PM3520]

@linghun No one WANTS to live in misery, but when you look at all the related issues -- really look carefully -- you can't help but see that humanity itself, our entire human "civilization" is in peril. Without massive inputs of cheap and plentiful energy, the life we currently enjoy can not continue. The Transition movement is about softening the fall -- and creating a wonderful life without so much oil. And, yes, it will mean more work, and more hardship. Sorry, the party's over.

[rockme4ver]

it is not the president to blame the congress that they dont cooperate..no matter who run the office still the same shit..blame the republican

[3877michael]

Gee ? I wonder if President Obama has a Transition Plan ? I'm sure he does.. Look at all he has done for us so far! Down grading the economy must be the start. Oh yeah ! Not creating any jobs is a clear step to the Transition Economy! ! So glad that we are ahead on this one... E - con - o - My