The recent run-up in oil prices and various technical evidence strongly suggests that the world is entering the phase of peak oil production just at a time when demand for fossil fuels is soaring. Energy is fundamental to all of human activity. The economy is ultimately dependent on how much energy is available to do useful work. Additional non-carbon energy will be needed to mitigate climate change or adapt to the impacts that may develop.

There is no such thing as a free lunch! This global issue is one of the most critical to solve in the near term.

Agree with everything George stated. Would like to add that just finding new carbon-free energy sources is not liable to be the whole story. Need to deal with the human component--need to reduce consumption. Thus, I am inclined to suggest that energy challenges include both the supply and demand sides. But, everybody already knows that.

Increased gas cost finally appears to be affecting the demand for pickup trucks and Hummers, from what I am seeing in the news (don't have any details at hand to offer), so it would seem that market forces are already affecting the demand side.

And, what about economy? Is that not an entire sensemaking thread in its own right?