Don't you think that the Olduvai theory, although fascinating, is a bunch of garbage?

Question

Its the basic idea that when the world's capacity to produce usable energy reaches its peak, civilization will begin to go down hill.

Here's a link to an article about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olduvai_theory

What do you think?

Answer 1

entirely possible. but it didnt need to be. alternative energy at this point is a buzzword that oil and car companies like to whip out to look warm and fuzzy

Answer 2

The arguement has a lot of empirical support--virtually any civilization's "life course" (for want of a better term) closely parallels it's ability to harness energy.

It's irrelevant to modern civilization, however. Our technology has been past the point where we are faced with that possiblity. Some people do not realize that because they think in terms of "energy equals fossil fuels" which is incorrect. We have the capacity to harness and use far more enrgy from other sources--nulear, solar, wind--as well as sources like hydroelectric energy. Oil and coal are basically obsolete anyway--they are overdue to be phased out and are stil dominant only because of special interests clinging to an outmoded system.

Answer 3

From what I've seen it started going down hill about 40 years ago

Answer 4

Its called a theory for a reason.