It is true I did gloss over the bio-diesel situation which is more promising than most in being able to extend the useful life of oil as it is used for transport. Much of this post is based on Strahan’s book and the main objective was to wake readers up – in case they assume alternative fuels might save us from a “hard landing” so to speak.

In general – transport is the obvious impact point for dramatic increases in oil prices. There are other sources of energy available for bio- diesel such as algae which should be encouraged.

aquaflowgroup in New Zealand uses algae from sewage ponds and I’m sure there are other examples. Perhaps you can give us a summary of the Australian outlook for bio-fuel / bio diesel.

I added a “A feature at Worldchanging suggests that bio-diesel from algae might be the best bet” paragraph to the original post which is hopefully more accurate now.

1) The diesel engine is the only mechanical device which can achieve the efficiencies required in the 21st Century, (the 1st diesel engine demonstrated 75% efficiency in 1900).
2) Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel which can (in the near future) be produced in sufficient quantities to offset a large percentage of fossil diesel.
3) Commercial production of feedstock oils from algae and non-competitive oil crops will achieve viability in the next five years.
4) Biofuels are not developed sufficiently to demonstrate viability, but it is far closer to the commercial horizon than either the Hydrogen or Electric alternatives.
5) It is easy to highlight the current short comings of Biofuels, but the actual commercial development of 2nd generation feedstocks projects, in opposition to research projects, indicate that there is vast potential in this growing market.
ML

In New Zealand we have just had a book published about the local effects of global warming called hot topic. http://hot-topic.co.nz/