The History of Oil and Coal Driving Overpopulation
Oil Addiction and Agricultural Collapse Threaten Global Food Security
by Tracy Turner
As the global oil demand continues to rise while reserves dwindle, the geopolitical landscape is poised for significant shifts.
If you could wave a magic
wand (Governor Newsome), and make the entire Global Food Chain
"electrified," there would be massive Global Hunger and Massive
Starvation, worsening exponentially as the weeks and months wore on.
The history of oil and coal
is the foundation of human development (population boom). The Industrial
Revolution, beginning in the late 18th century, marked a significant shift in
energy consumption. Coal became the primary fuel source for steam engines, factories,
and later electricity generation. This transition allowed for mass production
of food, leading to urbanization and massive, unending, totally unsustainable
population growth.
In the 20th century, oil
emerged as a dominant energy source. The discovery of vast oil reserves
transformed economies and societies—oil-powered food transport vehicles and
farm machinery, facilitating 8 billion People, worldwide.
The
Urgent challenges of Food Security in the Post-Peak-Oil Era
As we approach the
post-peak-oil era—estimated to occur within the next few decades—the food
security challenges become increasingly pressing. The post-peak-oil era refers
to the period after global oil production reaches its maximum rate and begins
to decline. This decline will likely lead to higher energy costs and reduced
agricultural productivity, posing significant threats to food security. Climate
change exacerbates these issues by affecting weather patterns, reducing crop
yields, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Resource
shortages will also emerge as water scarcity becomes more prevalent due to
over-extraction and pollution. Food security will be threatened as populations
continue to grow while resources dwindle. Countries that rely heavily on
imported food may face severe shortages, leading to social unrest and conflict
over remaining arable land.
Critique of Governor Gavin
Newsom’s Policies
Governor Gavin Newsom’s focus
on environmental regulations—such as waging war on gas-powered garden tools
like string trimmers—appears misguided when viewed against the backdrop of
looming food crises. While reducing emissions from small engines is essential
for air quality and climate goals, it distracts from addressing critical issues
like sustainable agriculture and food security. By prioritizing minor
environmental concerns over substantial threats such as resource depletion and
potential famine, Newsom risks overlooking the broader implications of his
policies. The impending crisis could resemble a slow-motion train wreck:
predictable yet ignored until it becomes catastrophic. This negligence mirrors
historical conflicts over resources seen in Iraq and Ukraine and even Gaza
(Natural Gas) —nations where competition for oil or farmland has led to
widespread violence. As agricultural systems falter due to climate change and
energy shortages post-peak oil, similar conflicts will arise domestically or
internationally.
While environmental
initiatives are necessary for long-term sustainability, they must uphold urgent
issues like food security that threaten societal stability in the coming
decades.
Anticipating Oil and
Farmland Wars as Global Oil Depletion Looms
As the global oil demand
continues to rise while reserves dwindle, the geopolitical landscape is poised
for significant shifts. The depletion of oil resources is not merely an
environmental or economic issue; it has profound implications for international
relations, resource allocation, and even conflict. This analysis will explore
how oil depletion could lead to disputes over farmland. This crucial resource
may become increasingly valuable as alternative energy sources are sought, and
agricultural production becomes essential for sustaining populations.
The Crucial
Interconnection Between Oil Depletion and Food Scarcity
1.
Understanding
Oil Depletion Oil is a finite
resource, and its extraction rates have begun to decline in many regions
worldwide. Competition for remaining reserves intensifies as countries scramble
to secure their energy needs. This scarcity can lead to starvation.
2.
Impact on
Agriculture: Agriculture heavily
depends on fossil fuels—not only for machinery but also for fertilizers and
transportation. As oil becomes scarcer and more expensive, food production
costs will rise. This could lead to food shortages in already vulnerable
regions, exacerbating existing tensions.
3.
Emerging
Conflicts Over Farmland
Farmland as a Strategic
Asset
With the decline of oil
availability, farmland may emerge as a new strategic asset. Nations with arable
land could find themselves in a position of power, leading to potential
conflicts over these resources. Countries facing food insecurity may attempt to
acquire farmland in more fertile regions through diplomatic negotiations or
military interventions.
Historical Precedents: History provides numerous examples of resource
scarcity leading to conflict. The 20th century saw various wars driven by
access to oil (e.g., the Gulf War). Similarly, as agricultural land becomes
scarce due to climate change and urbanization, we might witness similar
patterns where nations engage in disputes over fertile territories.
Potential Scenarios of
Conflict
Increased Nationalism: As countries face energy shortages and rising food
prices, nationalism may surge. Governments could prioritize securing their
agricultural resources at the expense of international cooperation, leading to
trade wars or territorial disputes.
Corporate Interests: Multinational corporations may play a significant
role in this dynamic by investing heavily in agriculture and land acquisition
in developing countries. This can create tensions between local populations
seeking control over their land and foreign entities looking to exploit these
resources.
Climate Change
Complications: Climate change
exacerbates these issues by affecting global crop yields and water
availability. Regions already struggling with droughts or floods may see
increased migration pressures from those seeking better living conditions
elsewhere, potentially leading to conflicts over land use.
Countries That Have Fought
Wars Over Resources
1. Oil:
- The Iraq War (2003) was significantly
influenced by oil interests.
- The Gulf War (1990-1991) involved Iraq’s
invasion of Kuwait, primarily driven by oil resources.
2. Gas:
- The Russo-Ukrainian War has elements
related to natural gas pipelines and energy security.
3. Coal:
- Conflicts over coal have been less prominent in
recent history but can be traced back to the Second Boer War
(1899-1902), which involved control over gold and diamond resources,
including coal.
4. Farmland:
- The Darfur conflict (2003-present) in
Sudan has roots in competition or land and water
resources
The ongoing tensions between
Israel and Palestine also involve disputes over agricultural land.
Current Conflicts Over
Resources
As of now, the most notable conflicts
include:
- The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, with
significant implications for energy resources.
- Tensions in the South China Sea, where
countries are vying for control over maritime resources, including oil and
gas reserves.
- Ongoing disputes in the Horn of Africa,
particularly involving Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan over farmland and
water resources.
While oil depletion presents
immediate challenges related to energy security (read that food security, you
have “eaten oil” just like your ancestors), it also foreshadows deeper
conflicts over essential resources like farmland that will be crucial for human
survival in an increasingly uncertain future. A good start at making human food
eating sustainable for the next four decades and beyond would be to replace
Corn Ethanol with Olive Biodiesel. Corn dies in 4 months; Olive Trees live for
hundreds and hundreds of years. An Olive Biodiesel Farm Tractor or Combine is
not a naïve California Governor exerting self-will and making one billionaire
richer.
Sources:
International Energy Agency (IEA)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Council on Foreign Relations
The Brookings Institution
International Crisis Group