Marching into the new millennium, we as a species have reached a peak that is at once both breathtaking and terrifying. The last century saw an explosion of advances in technology, communication, industry, health, science, mobility, and knowledge. These advances—developed in large part as a result of cheap, abundant energy—have created unprecedented levels of population, life expectancy, and prosperity.

At the same time, our dependence on fossil fuels has reduced our self-reliance, and had incalculable impacts on the environment. And because fossil fuels are non-renewable, we have or are quickly reaching the point when we can’t produce as much of these energy sources as we need.
We are at a cross roads. Business as usual is simply unsustainable.

The climate crisis calls on us to move quickly away from oil, coal, and natural gas for the health and well-being of our planet and people. The depletion of fossil fuels calls on us to move with urgency for our short-term economic survival.

We will use fewer fossil fuels one way or another; but if we fail to adapt intelligently to the post-carbon era, the next few decades will see ever higher energy costs and continued high carbon emissions—leaving us with a ruined environment and a shattered economy, unable to face a future without fossil fuels.

And so it is incumbent upon each of us to face this challenge with courage, creativity, and cooperation.

See our 10 Steps for Individual Action.