Remember the oil crisis of 1973-4, just a quick reminder that during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, Arab members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC imposed an embargo against the U S, Canada, the UK and others for their decision to re supply the Israeli military. Gas prices went from $3 a barrel to $12 a barrel globally but even higher in our country. Their were many impacts on our economy and eventually on our national energy policy. Imagine, we actually sat in long lines for gasoline and in places it was rationed, even number plates could buy gas one day and odd the next. A wise nation would learn from the experience that dependence on any one source of a natural resource is dangerous. I remember lots of discussions around energy independence including the national highway speed limit of 55. Conservation was touted as critical, and large cars and powerful engines went out of style. However, gradually we went back to our old habits and industrial dependence – in 1979 we got another oil shock when Iran stopped production during the hostilities with the US. Our country went from total oil independence in the decade from 1945 to 1955 and by the 1973 embargo our country was down to 16.5% of global oil output. Among other issues – inflated oil prices led to stagflation and in the late 70s and early 80s we saw prime interest rates reach over 20% and mortgage rates reach well over 10% in states that did not have usury limitations. The risks of any dependence are very high and I suppose it is human nature to forget the trauma and move on. I mention all of this history to remind us that we are still fossil fuel dependent in this country and in the world and the greenhouse gases are still threatening the only planet we can currently inhabit.
Very low oil prices will be a benefit to consumers and could help hold inflation in check in the face of significant Federal and State Government spending and mounting deficits. I am suggesting we cannot let it distract us from the inevitable and undeniable urgency to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
It has been great to rise each morning in Boise and enjoy the clean air views from the Boise foothills of the snow covered Owyhee Mountains which are over 80 miles away as they stretch into Oregon. This morning as traffic returns to our valley the air is less clear and although I can still see those peaks in the distance they are far from clear. I am not sure how much time the Pandemic bought the environment while it continues to wreck havoc and heartache on our country and the world. A brief respite in automobile pollution is not a long term solution to the still present threat to our environment and ecosystem.
In a new study from Stanford University we hear a dire warning that the vertebrate extinction rate is likely much greater than previously thought and if we don’t reverse course the consequences for mankind could be “unimaginable.” CBS news Jeff Berardelli covers this story and begins, “in recent months, the global pandemic, has illuminated how mismanagement of wild animals and natural ecosystems can threaten human health and even the stability of society.” The study highlights how human pressures such as population growth, habitat destruction, the wildlife trade, pollution, and climate change have combined to wipe out hundreds of species and are critically threatening thousands more and at an unprecedented rate. “The world is now losing the same number of species in one year that we used to lose in 100 years. The article goes on to report that 515 terrestrial vertebrates are on the brink of extinction with fewer than 1000 individuals remaining. I am going to stop for now and encourage you to check out this link.
Jane Goodall, legendary conservationist, reminds us, “we cannot separate ourselves from the natural world, we continue to destroy it at our own peril.”
Can’t wish you a safe weekend without asking for a moment of silence for George Floyd. It appears his tragic and senseless death may well lead our country to a brighter tomorrow. Long overdue justice for all. Let’s not get distracted from the issues critical to our democracy. Mike