[manmanic]

Energy is the big challenge of our generation, not computer technology. Climate change is part of it, but it's not the main issue. At some time during the next few decades we're going to hit crunch point in terms of oil and gas reserves. Not only because few new resources are being found, but also because their depletion is accelerating, especially due to China and India's stellar economic growth.

Humanity will get through the energy crunch, probably with a 20-year depression and government commandeering of manufacturing resources to build renewable energy capacity. During that time there will be huge unemployment, war, and for many poorer countries, likely starvation. The food chain is deeply dependent on fertilizer, made from oil.

So the key for the next two decades is to do as much as we can to prepare for this period. Ideally we'd completely wean ourselves off oil and gas, like Sweden or Norway, but that seems unlikely to happen. But at least, it means investing in renewable energy capacity and technology, so that things don't completely grind to a halt.

Trouble is, this isn't really a computer problem, so how to help?