Europe has maneuvered their way through an energy crisis over the last year since the start of the Russian-Ukraine dilemma. For now, a reliance on Russian energy that seemed more like a chokehold a year ago has significantly loosened. Russian gas supplies to Europe have been drastically reduced, and the region seems to be weathering recent bans on most Russian oil without a hiccup. Where do most EU countries rely on their oil and gas now?
Luckily, European nations have made quick decisions on their energy supplies since their former supplier in Russia was hit with many sanctions from the UN. Russia is a large energy (Oil and Natural Gas) supplier. Now, Europe is battling their energy shortages by importing from Qatar, Norway, and the Texas shale oil fields (source rock).
Representatives have spoke out on behalf of the great EU nations explaining that they may not be out of the woods just yet. Ultimately, as a global society and the overall history of human beings on Earth, we have stumbled upon nothing short of "magic" to a earlier human. We are depleting our ancient energy supplies 10 million times faster than it was sequestered from the time ancient sunlight put in on our planet. Does this pose the question more broad than just the the EU, that are civilizations have become too reliant on this "magical" energy otherwise known as coal, oil, and natural gas? How much is left on Earth (peak oil), and will our renewable energy sources be able to prop up a global economy reliant on constant (infinite growth)?
Europe has seen only a glimpse into the future...will energy crisis's become common in the near to short-term future?
I think it's a very rational threat to our society as the war wages on, regardless of the outcome. Especially because we have depleted our energy sources so much faster than ever before. Although they aren't at an energy crisis yet, I think they should treat it as one in order to be prepared.
ReplyDeleteIt is likely that even as everyone becomes aware that our current energies supplies are running out, no drastic changes will actually be made until the last possible moment. This will likely cause a period of widespread energy crisis before we see the switch to renewable energy worldwide. Hopefully the recent energy crisis in the EU serves as a warning but I am not sure significant changes will be made.
ReplyDeleteEnergy sources have become such a huge part of our economy and society, that a crisis like this should be a warning to start transitioning to other resources, but our dependency on these sources will definitely hold up the process.
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