BobWallace wrote:"Technology just helps us to burn energy faster. "
This statement is simply false.
Technology is currently focused on 'doing more with less' (energy).
New insulation is being developed. Look how much more efficient refrigerators have become.
New light sources are on the market and being developed. Look at CFLs and LEDs.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are constantly improving and starting to replace traditional vehicles.
Computers are using less and less power. My new laptop pulls ~15 watts. It replaces my desktop which pulled ~135 watts.
"The American way of life is non-negotiable, yessirree."
Horse hockey.
The American way of life will morph to match conditions. Things will be different in the post-petroleum future. But they won't necessarily be worse. In fact, they may be better, a lot better.
Think about a life that doesn't involve air pollution. And the health problems caused by pollution.
Think about a life free of engine noise.
Think about a life when one's food tastes better and is more nutritious.
What will we have to give up? Our Cameros, I suppose. But we get Teslas in return.
I can live with that.
You fail to take into account a simple law, the name alludes me right now.
Increases in efficiency mean more use, meaning equal or increased consumption.
If you can drive twice as far in your new car for the same amount of fuel, you will, if your lights use half as much energy its no longer a big deal to leave them on.
But these are really quite small issues, more efficient cars mean little as only the particularly wealthy will be buying the new cars off the market, I think it takes between ten and twenty years to completely replace the private transport fleet of America.
Also more efficiency does not mean things will last for ever.
Lastly, it doesn't take into account other energy guzzlers, such as big transport trucks that can't really lose much energy consumption.
Plus there's the economic ramification to be considered, as well as the social.
How many people will want to give up their nice big SUV's?
EDIT: GAH, NINJA'D