Topic: Energy

[ Episode #89 // How on Earth ]

Today's textbook notions of business were developed during an unprecedented global economic expansion - a cultural condition that faces diminishing returns in today’s world. Can we build enterprises for a post-growth future that thrive among challenges of the next century? By reversing the process that privatizes profits, would unsustainable trends and drivers of inequality be subverted? Can a modern media and journalism industry flourish within a not-for-profit framework?

In Extraenvironmentalist #89 we first speak with Donnie Maclurcan of the Post Growth Institute about their organization's upcoming book, How On Earth: Flourishing in a Not-for-Profit World by 2050. Donnie explains ways that organizing business activities under the framework of not-for-profit enterprises can make meaningful change in the face of a seemingly intractable situation wrought by immense private wealth accumulation and slowing global growth.

In the second half of the show, we talk to Chris Nelder, host of the Energy Transition Show - the first regular podcast on the forthcoming XE Audio Network! We ask Chris about the ongoing contraction in US shale oil production during 2015 and the deteriorating financial condition of the industry in the face of a global deflationary undertow. The conversation is Episode #0 of the Energy Transition Show, which launches with Episode #1 beginning September 23.

 

Bonus Segment

// Links and News Items

The Energy Transition Show - launching September 23rd

As We Lay Dying -
Stephen Jenkinson On How We Deny Our Mortality

// Books

How On Earth: Flourishing in a Not-for-Profit World by 2050 by Donnie Maclurcan and Jennifer Hilton

// Music (in order of appearance)

Lazy Knuckles - Polyglot via Soundcloud
Eric Clapton - Change the World (Mac DeMarco Cover) via IndieShuffle
Freddie Frank - This Old Rig (1961)
Cavaliers of Fun - Wiki via Tracasseur
Tube & Berger - Disarray Feat. J.U.D.G.E

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #89 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Stephanie in North Carolina
Wally in North Carolina
Stephen from Australia

(more…)

[ Episode #76 // Energy Slaves ]

Our command of energy resources has created amazing technologies and social systems at a grand scale, but at what cost? Where past societies shackled human muscle with force and subjugation to create an energy surplus, beginning in the late 19th century we have used coal, oil & gas to create an unprecedented energy abundance. As the era of surplus energy comes to an end, how will our systems reliant on energy slaves for mechanical and cognitive work adapt? How is the energy transition moving forward?

In Extraenvironmentalist #76 we discuss our global energy systems with Andrew Nikiforuk as we discuss his new book, The Energy of Slaves: Oil and the New Servitude. Andrew discusses ways of understanding our use and abuse of cheap energy. Then, Chris Nelder joins us to talk about the ongoing energy transition and how it is reaching a tipping point through the recognition of a financial carbon bubble, the German Energiewende and the decline of the traditional oil majors.

As Terence McKenna once said, "Reason, and science, and the practice of unbridled capitalism, have not delivered us into an angelic realm. Quite the contrary: they’ve delivered 3% of us into an angelic realm, completely overshadowed by guilt about what’s happening to the other 97% of us who are eating it!"

// Books

The Energy of Slaves: Oil and the New Servitudeby Andrew Nikiforuk

// Links and News Items

News Item #1. NPR: US Commuters Ditch Cars For Public Transit In Record Numbers

News Item #2. Fukushima’s “crisis of manpower”: Unskilled and destitute workers have taken over the cleanup process

Stephen Kopits Presentation on Energy Supply Forecasting

[jwplayer mediaid="3532"]

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[First Break] - 35m

Shell energy scenarios to 2050
RT: Running on Empty
"Peak Oil Debunked"
Canadian Tar Sands Ad

[Second Break] - 85m

Earth 2050 - How Much Energy Will We Need
Stephen Kopits on Energy Forecasting

[End]

From the XE Youtube Channel: Richard Heinberg on Snake Oil: How Fracking's False Promise of Plenty Imperils Our Future

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Henry Green - Electric Feel (Kygo Remix)
Camera2 - Appetite via KCRW Today's Top Tune
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (Rare Monk Cover)
Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman (Paddy McAloon Cover)
No Nukes - Power
Porter Robinson - Sea of Voices (RAC Remix)
Great Good Fine Ok - Not Going Home

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Mr. Nelder for music suggestions

Episode #76 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Derek in CA
Jay in WA
Linus in Sweden
Simon in Norway
Kim in Quebec City

// Send us a BTC tip for #76

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #72 // Green Wizardry ]

The members of the middle class in the United States are finding increasing difficulty achieving and maintaining their expectations for jobs, housing and other basic aspects of life. With the limits to growth putting basic lifestyle assumptions under increasing assault, can people use intermediate technologies to reduce their ecological and financial footprint? If we start imagining new ways of procuring energy, food and shelter can we also reconfigure our culture in the process?

In Extraenvironmentalist #72 we discuss appropriate technology with John Michael Greer as he describes the ideas in his new book Green Wizardry: Conservation, Solar Power, Organic Gardening, and Other Hands-On Skills From the Appropriate Tech Toolkit. JMG describes how a downwardly mobile middle class can begin mastering the skills necessary to change their lives and their culture. Then, we talk to Jessica Kellner of Mother Earth Living about her book Housing Reclaimed: Sustainable Homes for Next to Nothing and the people across the United States who are building their homes out of salvaged materials for hardly any money.

Note: In the RSS feed version of this episode we have a 15 minute version of our interview with Jessica Kellner, on our Soundcloud page you'll find the full 36 minute interview.

// Books

The Integral Urban House
Green Wizardry by John Michael Greer
Housing Reclaimed by Jessica Kellner

// Links and News Items

#1 - http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.ca/2014/01/seven-sustainable-technologies.html via our listener Robin

#2 - http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/10/29/241664654/community-supported-canning-gets-locavores-through-winter?ft=1&f=1001

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[First Break] - 34m

Jacob Brownowski - The Ascent of Man
Thomas Friedman - Why Green is the new Red, White and Blue
Obama - The True Engine of Economic Growth
Ray Kurzweil - The Coming Singularity
Carlin: When the Electric Grid Goes Down
James Burke - Connections - The Trigger Effect
EF Shumacher on Appropriate Technology

[End]
Small Is Beautiful: Impressions of Fritz Schumacher

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Afrobeta - Love is Magic
Emilijo A.C. - That's All I Do
Stefan Biniak - The Read All About It Bootleg via Soundcloud
Rhianna - Stay (Call Me Señor Cover) via IndieShuffle
Androme - Gunjule

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #72 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Vincenzo in PA
Patrick in OR
Dean in CO
Kevin in CT
Paul in CA

// Send us a BTC tip for #72

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

(more…)

[ Episode #69 // Carbon Democracy ]

The ideas we have about our government systems have been dramatically shaped by the energy sources that power them. If the physical characteristics of coal and oil have developed the expectations of our 20th century politics, how they also invent 'the economy'? Will it be possible to sabotage a system that has an entirely different energy profile than the one that gave birth to organized labor?

In Extraenvironmentalist #69 we speak with Timothy Mitchell about our political systems and his book Carbon Democracy: Political Power in the Age of Oil. We discuss the ways coal and oil have transformed collective labor demands, revolutionized our money systems and contributed to our global conflicts. Then, Richard Heinberg updates us on the shale oil bubble and the implications of peak oil as we discuss Snake Oil: How Fracking's False Promise of Plenty Imperils Our Future. Richard reflects on the timing of peak oil predictions and what they may indicate for the upcoming decade.

// Books

Carbon Democracy by Timothy Mitchell
Snake Oil by Richard Heinberg

// News and Other Items Discussed

Krugman Goes Splat sent in by Josh
US Median Wage Stagnation
CNN Money: What I Saw at the Doomsday Prepper Convention
USA Today: Could the Fracking Boom Peter Out Sooner than the DOE Expects?

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 29m

Robert Newman - A Short History of Oil
Who Killed the Electric Streetcar

[End]

Democracy Now - Scientists: We Have to Consume Less sent in by James

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Hobo Jack Adkins - Thirty Inch Coal
Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Louis La Roche Remix) via Earmilk
Phantogram - Celebrating Nothing via The Music Ninja
Smokey Joe & The Kid - Put the Blame on Pete via Speakeasy Electroswing
Will Lamb - This Old Rig
Smallpools - Mason Jar (Monsieur Adi Remix) via Dancing Astronaut
Classix - All You're Waiting For via Gorilla vs Bear

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Aaron in Queensland
Martine in Maryland
Kevin in California
Zach in Illinois
Nancy in Colorado

// Send us a BTC tip for #69

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

(more…)

[ Episode #67 // Bubble and Beyond ]

A massive pile of accumulated debts and a global credit bubble are tearing apart our politics and societies. As illusory wealth continues to evaporate, a battle ensues between creditors that lent too much and a rapidly growing class of debt serfs. With the ability for reform appearing increasingly futile, a systemic crisis has created paralysis on the edge of an abyss. What do the examples of previous indebted empires tell us? Can we create an alternative to a neoliberal philosophy that ends in neofeudalism?

In Extraenvironmentalist #67 we discuss the implications of the bursting global credit bubble with economist and historian Michael Hudson. Our conversation covers many of the themes in Hudson's new book, The Bubble and Beyond which covers the process of quantitative easing, neofeudalism and more. Then we speak with Nate Hagens, the former lead editor of the Oil Drum and an expert on global resource depletion. Nate describes why the relationship between energy and debt will increasingly lead to defaults as slowing growth means debts won't be serviced.

// Books

The Bubble and Beyond by Michael Hudson

// News and Other Items Discussed

Michael Hudson's website
Collapse and the Changing Face of Suicide submitted by Robin
Iceland running out of cash to pay foreign debts
IMF's Hilarious forecasts for a return to growth

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 30m

Countrywide commercial
Bernanke was wrong
Alan Greenspan on Irrational Exhuberance
Alan Greenspan - "There is no chance of default."
Days away from collapse - US default could bring global chaos
Greg Palast on Max Keiser about Obama
Countdown to US Government Default
Obama - "US Pays Its Bills."

[End]

Clarke and Dawe - Same Special Subject as Everyone Else

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Jump the Curb - Forever Blowing Bubbles via Jump the Curb
Shania Twain - Ka Ching! (The Simon and Diamond Bhangra Mix)
Monster Rally - Palm Village via Bandcamp
Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems (Woody's Produce Remix) via Youtube
Imagine Dragons - On Top of the World (RAC Mix) via Oh So Fresh
Bee Gees - Tragedy (Forever Kid Remix) via This Song is Sick

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Ronald in Texas
Sally in Australia (Happy birthday to Maxence!)
Mr. Smith in Massachusetts
Carla in the Quebec

(more…)

[ Episode #66 // Changing Reactions ]

The catastrophe at Fukushima presents the opportunity to re-evaluate basic assumptions about energy and technology but the temptation to double down on business as usual becomes incredibly strong. Will our species obtain a paradigm shift in the face of an energy emergency? Could we create new models for business that regenerate ecological functions rather than destroy the planet?

In Extraenvironmentalist #66 we speak with Michael Stone and Ian MacKenzie about their new film Reactor which covers their recent trip to Japan. Is the social fallout from Fukushima a template for social change elsewhere? Then we speak with Willem Ferwerda of the Ecosystem Return Foundation about scaling up the ecosystem restoration techniques we discussed on XE #65 with John Liu. We talk about the potential for regenerating ecological functions through new models for business and investing. Can we develop a process for launching permaculture businesses around the world?

// Other Items Discussed

Centre of Gravity
Reactor - the Film
Natural Resilience Initiative
The Planet Fund - Crowdfunding Ecosystem Restoration
(though we didn't talk about this in the show it is definitely related)

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 35m

Alan Watts on the Limits of Language
Terence McKenna from the Psychedelic Salon

[End]

Louis CK on Smartphones

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Juparo - Broke for Free via Soundcloud
Ludovico Einaudi - Walk (Phaeleh Remix) via Getting Deeper
Foreigner - Urgent (LUXXURY edit) via AudioPorn Central
C A T H E D R A L S - Unbound via Soundcloud
Say Lou Lou - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (Tame Impala Cover) via Soundcloud

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Production Assistance via Simon JM

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Peter in the Noosphere
Erica in Oregon
Michael in Arizona
Sune, Andreas, Mads and other colleagues in Denmark
Gaby in the Noosphere

(more…)

[ Episode #62 // Land Grabs ]

A financial sector built on a foundation of continuous material expansion is seeking returns in a slowing global economy. Will investments in global farmland be able to provide the returns expected by pension funds, endowments and future financial claims? Why are investors suddenly emphasizing the same data and charts that environmentalists have been pointing towards for decades?

In Extraenvironmentalist #62 we discuss the global race for farmland with Fred Pearce as detailed in his recent book: The Land Grabbers. We hear about his journey around the world to uncover the secret deals being signed by governments at the expense of their people. Then we speak with Gregor Macdonald about the global energy trends driving this search for innovative returns. Gregor describes why the age of nuclear power is ending as complexity overwhelms large systems and how the global economy has changed dramatically since conventional oil reached its plateau.

// Books

Fred Pearce // The Land Grabbers
Gregor Macdonald // Solar's Rise, Nuclear's Demise - June Issue of Terrajoule

// News and Other Items Discussed

One year away from global riots (from 9 months ago)
6.2% Food Inflation in Saudi Arabia
With electricity and water in short supply, Egyptians grow tense

XE Video with Dennis McKenna
XE Video with Nate Hagens

New Economics Institute ReRoute Summit - July 19th-21st

Beatboxin' Rick Wolff

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 23m

Michael Hudson from an upcoming episode of the Extraenvironmentalist
Glen Gary & Ross - A Film About Land Grabs
Jack Alpert from Extraenvironmentalist #11
Brazil - Protests of Discontent

[End]

A clip from our recent video with Nate Hagens

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Bugseed - Thinking of You via Soundcloud
Shine 2009 - Eurozone (CFCF Remix) via Gorilla vs. Bear
Cosmo Sheldrake - Rich ft. Ana Roo via Pigeons and Planes
Daft Punk - Get Lucky (Beats Antique Cover)
Blackstreet - No Diggity (Bondax Remix) via The Music Ninja

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #62 was supported by donations from one of our generous listeners: Beccy in Australia

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[ Episode #57 // Permaculture Convergence ]

Despite the massive destruction our species has wrought on the earth, we've also learned a tremendous amount about ecological systems in the process. As our old narrative of domination crumbles, an understanding of how to work with nature is emerging. Can we apply the ideas of permaculture to society when facing energy depletion, climate change and social breakdown? Will our future society be able to regenerate the planet?

In Extraenvironmentalist #57 we hear from the many speakers at the 2012 Northwest Permaculture Convergence as recorded by our editor Kevin.  We hear segments from the dozens of conference session sessions themed around permaculture approaches to global challenges, the social aspects of permaculture and ideas on the built environment. Kevin explains some of what he learned about permaculture from attending the conference and we briefly discuss a few signs that our economic reality is quickly changing. 

Note: On our next episode we'll be bringing you a bit more coverage from the Pacific NW Permaculture Convergence.

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 1h10m

Max Keiser - Soviet era of empty shelves dawns
Michael Hudson via Renegade Economists on 3cr
Bailout terms shock Cypriots

[End]

John Liu - Green Gold

// Music (in order of Appearance)

Bibio - A tout a l'heure via Tell All Your Friends
Formidable Vegetable - Yield via Soundcloud
Formidable Vegtable - No Such Thing as Waste via Soundcloud
Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Free n Losh Remix) via Salacious Sound

Learn more about the speakers along with full time-coded show notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_8WqD40M5Z0kbMWeIS8dlLsoRLSP__Jkdd-S88X3168/edit?usp=sharing

// Speakers in Order of Appearance

Learn more about the speakers along with full time-coded show notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_8WqD40M5Z0kbMWeIS8dlLsoRLSP__Jkdd-S88X3168/edit?usp=sharing

[Permaculture Approach to Challenges] - 3m46s

Mark Robinowitz
Mike Maki
Jan Spencer
Andrew Millison
Sharon Ferguson
Marisha Auerbach
Jenny Pell
Maurice Robinette
Rick Valley
Michael Pilarski
Pat Rasmussen
Forest Shomer

[Social Aspects of Permaculture] - 45m55s

Willie-the-Wind
Judith Alexander
Maurice Robinette
Sharon Ferguson
Jenny Pell
Mighk Simpson
Mark Lakeman
Forest Shomer
Mike Maki
Afia Menke
Marisha Auerbach
Melanie Rios
Jan Spencer
Mark Robinowitz

[Permaculture Approaches to the Built Environment] - 1h20m05s

Afia Menke (reading from an unsourced book)
Mark Lakeman
Andrew Millison
Joel Lee
Marisha Auerbach
Jan Spencer
Rick Valley
Mark Robinowitz
Sharon Ferguson

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

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[ Episode #56 // So Much Magic ]

// Duncan's Photos From His Canalers Adventures
[nggallery id=2 width=400]

Maintaining the complexity of our civilization requires a consistent input of net energy and a stable climate. We've already experienced the first few years of a long emergency through economic stagnation and contraction, financial fraud and a lack of meaningful political momentum. Can we expect advances in technology to make a useful contribution to solving modern challenges or are we headed for a technological time out? Are we approaching a magic moment when those oppressed by debt refuse to pay?

In Extraenvironmentalist #56 we speak with James Howard Kunstler about his recent book, Too Much Magic: Wishful Thinking, Technology and the Fate of the Nation. Jim talks about how the magnitude of corruption in our financial system revealed since 2008 has been even greater than he could have imagined. We ask Jim about his views on the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and how to think about its future. Then, Duncan Crary tells us about his years of podcasting on the Kunstlercast and his new podcast A Small American City. Duncan tells us about life on the inland waterways of New York and about pioneering a new American way of life in the small towns abandoned over the second half of the 20th century.

// Music (in order of appearance)

Aretha Franklin - One Step Ahead (DiscoTech Edit) via The Burning Ear
Django Django - Default (Mr Mitsuhirato Edit) via Soundisstyle
Harry Belafonte - Jump In The Line (John Bourke's Bmore Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
The Killers - Runaway (RAC Mix) via Soundcloud
Spin Doctors - Two Princes (G Templeton & Branded James Remix) via Youtube

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 40m
Paul Krugman: We Are on The Brink of a Technology Revolution That Will Transform Our Economy
The Superbowl Blackout
US Hides Real Debt, In Worse Shape than Greece

[Additional Resources]

A Small American City Podcast

Canalers
New Economy Summit at The University of British Columbia, April 5th and 6th

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #44 // Evolving Innovation ]

Our understanding of innovation has been shaped by decades of growth in the rate by which we can extract environmental resources. Now that conventional oil reserves are no longer flowing as readily, what does this do to how our modern civilization thinks about innovation? Do the innovations of the future involve faster processors and further advances is silicon materials or will it encompass something entirely different? Can we achieve sustainability through innovating?

In Extraenvironmentalist #44 we discuss the archeology of innovation with Sander van der Leeuw to learn how our complex societies have shifted short-term risks to long-term risks through the application of technologies. Sander explains how our complex societies developed and describes why our previous models of innovation may not address issues of sustainability. We ask if the genius factor can have a role in developing the breakthroughs necessary to preserve our species or if we'll need to look for other models of development. Then, we travel to Salt Spring Island, BC to meet Amy and Larry who innovated in low-energy models of living by living off the grid for fourteen years in California.


// Music (in order of appearance)
C2C - Mack the Knife (Tribute to Louis Armstrong)  via Soundcloud
The Mynabirds - Body of Work via Stereogum
Santigold - The Keepers via Pretty Much Amazing
Hacienda - Don't Turn Out the Lights via The Eargazm
I Am Oak - On Trees and Birds and Fire via Soundcloud
Clams Casino - Swervin (Remix) via Stereogum
Phaeleh - Orchid via Soundcloud
Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Damian Taylor Remix) via Soundcloud
C2C - Down the Road via Soundcloud

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
[Break]
Sander van der Leeuw

[End]
Nipun Metha - Designing for Generosity

// Production Credits
Production Assistance  | Kevin at the Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Cover art via creative commons license

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[ Episode #42 // Green Illusions ]

We've imagined for several decades that in an ideal energy future we'll have solar panels on every building and wind turbines accompanying the corn on rural farmland. Yet, is our energy context ready for photovoltaic modules and wind generated electricity? Who doesn't love the idea of harvesting solar energy that would just hit the planet whether we use it or not? Will renewable energy technologies replace our oil infrastructure or will environmentalists need to tackle many other issues before we should even start talking about renewable energy?

In Extraenvironmentalist #42 we hear from Ozzie Zehner about his new book Green Illusions which discusses the ecological impacts of manufacturing a renewable energy future. Ozzie tells us about his research into the stories of renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines. Are solar panels on a rapidly decreasing cost curve? Do wind turbines reduce carbon emissions of electricity generation? We also ask Ozzie what environmentalists should advocate for if they aren't pushing for renewable energy.


 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Princeton - Grand Rapids (RAC Remix)  via RAC Soundcloud Page
Elliot Yamin - Let's Get to What's Real via ThatEricAlper Soundcloud Page
Joe Bataan - Es Tu Costa (It's Your Thing) via Funky16Corners
Bodies of Water - Like a Stranger via Icarus & Occident
Dolly Parton - House of The Rising Sun (Apollo Zero's Dolly House of Remix) via Apollo Zero

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
[1st Break] - 34m
Obama on Renewable Energy
Rep. Inslee floor statement on American optimism and renewable energy jobs
Mark Jacobson - Renewable Energy is Now
Alan Grais on Renewable Energy from the Montreal Degrowth Conference on an upcoming Vimeo video
Windfall Trailer
T. Boone Pickens
Obama on Winning the Future - Renewable Energy

[2nd Break] - 1h05m
Juliet Schor on working less from the Montreal Degrowth Conference

[End]
Jiddu Krishnamurti on Technology

//Production Credits
Production Assistance  | Kevin at the Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #37 // Techno-Fix ]

Are you optimistic about technology? Let's talk about why. Could the majority of our proposed technological solutions be doing little more than kicking the can down the road towards ecological collapse? Politicians and economists speak of the ability for technological innovation to boost and grow economies, yet where does their techno optimism come from? Do technologies hold intrinsic values or are they neutral tools that are misused by a species with the wrong intentions?

In Extraenvironmentalist #37 we discuss technological optimism with Dr. Michael Huesemann. Michael explains his fifteen year study into environmental science and philosophies of technology as outlined in his recent book Techno-Fix, co-written with his wife Joyce Huesemann. Is there an inherent reason that the United States is the most technologically optimistic culture in the world? We ask if he has advice for students who are thinking about careers in advanced science and about the value systems embedded in technological systems.

Be sure to visit the Techno-Fix website and to pick up a copy of Techno-Fix if you want to learn more about the limitations of technology in addressing our global problems.


 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Dusty Springfield - Spooky via IndieShuffle
St. Lucia - We Got It Wrong via Consequence of Sound
CHLLNGR - Change  via Soundcloud
Santigold - Disparate Youth via Skeetbeatz
Summer Camp - Losing My Mind via All Things Go Music

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
[First Break]
Jason Silva - Techno-Optimism
Bush on Google
Ray Kurzweil Explains the Coming Singularity
Michio Kaku - Are We Ready for the Coming Age of Abundance
[Second Break]
MPR: America's Crumbling Infrastructure
Activists Publicly Pray For Lower Gas Prices
[End]
Alan Watts - A Conversation With Myself

(more…)

[ Episode #33 // Year of Jubilee ]

Expectations for the year 2012 A.D. have grown from tales of Mayan calendrical cycles and timewaves. Were there truly ancient prophecies describing catastrophes in the coming year? Is a change in human consciousness imminent as human novelty reaches its concresence? What if the global consciousness shift we've all been asking for is barreling towards us as a complete transformation in the way we think about our economy?

In Extraenvironmentalist #33 we move through all the themes for the next 365 days: from Mayans to timewaves to economic collapse and debt retribution. Our journey begins with Patricia McAnany to learn the truth about the connection between the Mayan Calendar and 2012. Next, we speak with Dennis McKenna about his brother's legacy as we enter the year Terence popularized as a potential date for the eschaton and the cultural singularity. Then, Mike Ruppert articulates the trends converging as an economic collapse, threatening to disrupt the commercial goods we rely on. Lastly, Charles Eisenstein describes the necessity for a debt jubilee to relieve the burden crushing our national economies.


 

// Interviews

7'35" | Patricia McAnany on Mayan 2012 Prophecy
34'30" | Dennis McKenna on Terence McKenna and the Timewave
55'08" | Mike Ruppert on Collapse
88'25" | Charles Eisenstein on Debt Jubilee

// Music (in order of appearance)
Birdy - Young Blood (Naked and the Famous Cover) via Blahblahblahblahscience
Adam and the Amethysts - Prophecy  via The Music Ninja
Counting Crows - Colorblind (Oliver Schories Edit)  via The Music Ninja
Sophie Trilby - Guardian (2012)
Memoryhouse - This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover) via Pretty Much Amazing

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
Alan Watts on the Great Depression
Zizek on The Silent Voice of a New Beginning

(more…)

[ Episode #31 // Simplifying Complexity ]

Is our species capable of looking ahead to prepare for the potentially disastrous results of larger trends? While daily existence has always presented challenges, modern civilization uses advanced technologies to address problems. Yet, is our ability to problem solve the very problem itself? What if the technology we're developing is increasing our reliance on a strategy yielding rapidly diminishing returns? Though a general understanding of complexity eludes us, are there ways of feeling it in our day-to-day life?

In Extraenvironmentalist #31 we speak with Dr. Joseph Tainter about collapse, complexity and energy. Dr. Tainter recently co-authored Drilling Down which explains why the BP Gulf Oil spill occurred in terms of the complexity that supports supports our society.  We discuss concepts of complexity, energy and a meaningful definition of sustainability. In our conversation, Dr. Tainter covers the dynamics of the Roman Empire as it moved further down the road of collapse; debasing its currency and unraveling due the expenses of foreign wars. Seth and I ask if energy alternatives exist that can support civilization, such as solar photovoltaics or wind power. If they can't, are we trapped in a complexity spiral with no way out?


 

 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Sinnitus Tempo - C'est La Vie via Elbo.ws
Penguin Prison - Multimillionaire (Shook Remix)  via Et Musique Pour Tous
Miike Snow - Devil's Work via Pretty Much Amazing
DJ Shadow - Scale It Back ft. Little Dragon (Robotaki Remix) via The Music Ninja
Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (ENiGMA Remix)  via The Music Ninja

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
Shopping Seizes Minds, Leaves No Room for News
Bill Rees - How to Convince People to Face Reality
Richard Heinberg on Transition
Thomas Homer-Dixon on Civilization Far From Equalibrium

// Additional Links
Jamie of Steppin' Off the Edge interviews KMO and Justin about collapse

(more…)

[ Episode #28 // At Growth’s End ]

European economies are teetering on the brink of collapse as low rates of GDP growth are no longer able to justify continued investments in piles of debt. On the other side of the Atlantic, the United States is struggling to acknowledge its ever larger ranks of underemployed and unemployed while managing the world's largest national debt. Now that the American debt to GDP ratio has surpassed 100% can the nation ever return to a state of stability? Is this just a prolonged recession or has our system of economic growth suddenly and radically changed forever?

In Extraenvironmentalist #28 we speak with Richard Heinberg about his most recent book The End of Growth which uses data on global economies and international energy supplies to argue that the paradigm of economic growth has ended forever. Richard says that while our economies will still grow in the future, they'll be constrained to lower and lower rates of growth that won't be able to support money systems and financial obligations. If the global economy follows a prolonged period of contraction driven by depleted energy availability, what will this do to our notions of technology and society? We discuss how global contraction will impact trends of specialization, urbanization and wealth accumulation. Seth and I ask if the end of economic growth has to be fraught with strife or if life after growth can lead to a richer existence.


 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Navet - Leave and Let Go (Niva Remix) via Niva Bandcamp
Bill Cagle and the Spirit of '68 - The Other Ninety Nine  via WFMU's Beware of the Blog
Washed Out - Call it Off  via Pretty Much Amazing
Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys (Yeasaer Remix) via Stereogum
Camo & Crooked - James Bond Theme (Official Rework) via The Music Ninja

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
Oakland Revolt: Occupy Cop Crackdown via RT
Oakland-DC-NYC: Occupy dot-to-dot to make big picture via RT
Robert Newman's History of Oil
David Suzuki speaking at the University of British Columbia Chan Centre on November 3rd, 2011

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[ Episode #18 // The Wealth of Nature ]

Our economic systems are beginning to expose the first intimations of how drastically they've been failing us. Is this breakdown happening because our economics are reflecting the state of our ecosystems? Generations of economists have adhered with religious fervor to tenets of growth and free market dynamics that have detached from reality so drastically these beliefs have become superstitions that now drive our currencies to the brink of collapse. How can a naturally centered mindset re-focus our economic ideals?

In Extraenvironmentalist #18 we speak with John Michael Greer about his latest book, The Wealth of Nature: Economics as if Survival Mattered. John blogs prolifically at The Archdruid Report and has written several additional spectacular books on the precarious predicaments of industrial society like, The Long Descent and The Ecotechnic Future. As Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America John's naturally focused mind shines an illuminating viewpoint on the fallacies of modern economics and how our physical reality can create a sustainable economic system. We discuss why people typically embrace denial when first encountering his ideas, the role his druid practice has had in revealing many fallacies of commonly held viewpoints about industrial society, the role of politics in the collapse of industrial civilization and what a day in the life of a druid looks like.

 

 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Balam Acab - Oh Why via The Music Ninja
Channel Cairo - Elephant Room via Earplugs Not Included
Graffiti 6 - Free via Youtube
John Denver - Country Roads (Pretty Lights Remix) via Sunset in the Rear View

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[ Episode #17 // Economics of Sustainability ]

The interplay between energy and money will be the underlying factor behind the biggest stories of the next decade. While easily accessible energy has created a massive financial bubble on the way up Hubbert's curve, the primary agent on the way down will be unraveling financial complexities built up over the last 60 years. Surviving in this new world will require a radically different idea about how money can operate in localized units of economic exchange. Can ideas like liquidity networks help us survive in this new age of emergency?

In Extraenvironmentalist #17 we speak with Richard Douthwaite about the collection of essays he co-edited on the coming financial storm, Fleeing Vesuvius. Richard is an author of many books on the fallacies of economic growth, co-founder of the Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability (FEASTA) and a Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute.  Richard explains how his educational background in economics stifled his worldview for a many years and the effect The Limits to Growth had on changing his mind about the ways in which modern economics are practiced.  We discuss why entrepreneurs are worshiped by economic leaders, the promise of liquidity networks for reforming currency dynamics, the ability for energy bonds to revolutionize community energy projects and the effect of introducing new technologies into an economic system.

Also in XE #17 we respond to listener feedback, play a fantastic voicemail from a dedicated listener on ethanol subsidies and throw our endorsement behind an upcoming film about youth fighting for climate justice: you can support Just Do It via their IndieGoGo project.

 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire Cover) via The Music Ninja
ceo - Halo (Beyonce Cover) viaPretty Much Amazing
Daytona Beach - Loud Valley via Zen Tapes
Toro y Moi - New Beat (Fare Soldi "Canatu" Remix) via Harder Blogger Faster
inc - Swear
viaGorilla vs. Bear

Corrections //

Justin incorrectly refers to Richard Blume, he means David Blume's alcohol economy

Original post on July 1st had the wrong audio file

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[ Episode #16 // Powering the Dream ]

Energy drives our civilization: onward towards the limits of human imagination, ever closer to the grave consequences of oil depletion. Technology is often viewed as a mythical force, seemingly bestowing its gifts on an often misguided species in a neutral manner; though what if the best technologies don't always win? Are all the energy solutions we're banking on to continue a capitalist consumer lifestyle just an innovation away from mass deployment?  Could social choices of technologies be far from rational? What if the most important electric loads were the ones invented by utility companies? Why does America consume so much energy and believe so heavily in the transcendent role of technology?

In Extraenvironmentalist #16 we speak with Alexis Madrigal about his book, Powering the Dream: The History and Promise of Green Technology which discusses the precarious path our species has followed towards a more perfect power. Alexis is a senior editor at The Atlantic where he writes about technology and media while tweeting prolifically from @alexismadrigal. Alexis explains how many of the green technologies, now touted as shiny new innovations, have existed for the greater part of the last century and have been stifled through a combination of poor policies and irrational developments. We wonder about the role of innovation in the future, do we have all the technology we really need or are we on the verge of a renewable energy breakthrough that can revolutionize our world?

At the end of this episode, Dennis McKenna joins us once again (at the 1h37m mark) for an apology to Matthew Watkins who was incorrectly lambasted in the previous episode for his critiques to the Timewave theory.

 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Metric - Twilight Galaxy (Gladkill Remix) via Ohh So Famous
Milagres - Glowing Mouth viaThe Music Ninja
The Dictator's Speech with Inception's music by Hans Zimmer via Youtube
Foster the People - Houdini (Valida's Step Out Mix) via Earplugs Not Included
Blue Sky Black Death - Sleeping Children Are Still Flying
viaPotholes In My Blog
Purity Ring - Lofticries via Gorilla vs. Bear

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[ Episode #13 // Debt-Dollar Discipline ]

Does our currency drive participation in a disciplinary system that conditions a consumer society? Surplus goods created by industrial production require an acceptable set of behaviors, reinforced by a financial establishment of rewards and punishments. Though the people reliant on disciplinary institutions are used to playing by the rules, what happens when the game changes suddenly?

In Extraenvironmentalist #13 we speak with Ashvin Pandurangi, writer for The Automatic Earth on his series of articles that describe the Debt-Dollar Discipline, the global system of currencies backed by the U.S. Dollar that define the choice sets available to us. We ask about how finance, currency, education and our institutions create a rigid disciplinary guideline. Ash, Seth and Justin ponder the question of whether a global system that slowly empties its gas tank can handle a rapid disintegration and a population in developed nations accustomed to discipline.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO: Mr. Thomas Bevan for his magical performance in singing about the Titanic.

BEFORE APRIL 14th: Vote for Justin's video in the OECD's 50th Anniversary Challenge to redefine economic progress

 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Daughter - Run via The Music Ninja
Malvina Reynolds - Little Boxes via Dangerous Minds #18
Lanu - Beautiful Trash (feat. Megan Washington) via SoundCloud
Anomie Bell - How Can I Be Sure via IndieShuffle

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[ Episode #6 // Peak Oil Blues ]

The old Chinese curse, "may you live in interesting times", is a particularly apt encapsulation of the current moment we experience on the global stage of affairs, yet facing an uncertain future doesn't mean it has to unfold as bleak.

The readily available net energy which drove rapid expansion of a particular form of dominance hierarchy known as corporate capitalism is fading, and with its collapse goes the standard of life it engendered. The realization that our embedded expectations of the future might rapidly diverge from reality is one that can be very difficult to integrate. By reaching the global maximum flow rate of oil we face significant psychological issues - as young adults facing this reality, the range of options for preparation can be staggering.

Kathy McMahon of Peak Oil Blues has been helping many deal with the psychological issues one faces when grasping the reality and severity of peak oil. In Extraenvironmentalist #6, we interview Kathy to talk about the psychological dimensions of peak oil and how those of us just starting our adult lives can prepare for life after the peak.

Many thanks to Kevin M. who provided an edit of several documentaries on peak oil - an edit which beautifully and elegantly introduces the issue. At the end of the episode we play a voicemail Kevin left us regarding his thoughts on the Extraenvironmentalist #3's clash between podcast titans KMO and Doug Lain.

 

// Media Links
Media Collage | A 5 Minute Introduction to Peak Oil assembled by and courtesy of Kevin M.

// Music (in order of appearance)
Glasser - Mirrorage via The Music Ninja
Decemberists - Down by the Water via The Music Slut
Caribou - Sun (Midland Remix) via Redthreat
Humans - Avec Mes Mecs via IndieShuffle
Keith Reedy - Drinkin' Billy's Beer via WFMU Beware of the Blog

// Corrections and Blunders

- Please do call or email us with corrections if you find something we've said to be factually inaccurate -


 

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[ Episode #3 // Ideological Energy ]

A truly well-informed person will undoubtedly discover the rapid rate at which belief in business as usual is collapsing. This collapse extends to include our ecosystems, our human systems and our thought systems. Is deflating societal complexity fueled by cheap energy causing this collapse? Would such a collapse inherently allow for a positive social transformation? Do the organizing principles in society disappear when the energy supporting them transforms to naught but entropy?

In The Extraenvironmentalist #3 we expand on these questions through a debate between KMO of the C-Realm Podcast and Doug Lain of the Diet Soap Podcast. We use Dmitry Orlov's 5 Stages of Collapse as a base for the discussion.

Doug challenged KMO on Facebook by stating that he heard KMO saying he was looking forward to collapse. In the ensuing exchange, well outside the capacity of the Facebook medium, it was decided that Doug was unclear on KMO's views which he intended to critique. We've structured this episode to narrow down the discussion and in doing so expose some interesting connections between collapse, complexity, ideology and energy.

Additionally, Seth talks about Elk and we unveil our new voicemail inbox which could possibly summon extradimensional mind-structures if you're not careful with it.

 

// Media Links
Youtube | Cultural Theory: Althusser's Concept of Ideology
Podcast | What Now with Ken Rose Broadcast on 6.28.2010 ft. Joseph Tainter

// Music (in order of appearance)
The Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie via OneTrackMind
Chicago Bulls Intro Song
Gold Panda - Same Dream China via Pitchfork
Miike Snow - Animal (Mark Ronson remix) via AudioPorn Central
Glasser - Home via Stereogum
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Christian TV Mix) via The Music Slut
Gold Panda - Quitters Raga via Pitchfork

// Corrections and Blunders (Please do correct us if you find something we've said to be factually inaccurate)

Justin left his skype sounds on during the interview and they are distracting

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