Article: Diminishing Returns
Here also are comments sent to my colleagues regarding this superb article:
Dearest Colleagues:
The attached article,
by Chris Clugston, provides superb graphical and narrative insights and lessons
on the implications of diminishing marginal returns from the extraction of
NNRs.
Starting with Nauru,
then Europe and now Fiscal Cliffs as evidence, no one can refute the
direct relationship that exists between diminishing NNR extraction returns
and the collapse of economies, and in turn societies. Applied
neo-classical economic theory contributed much to those situations, and its
shortcomings creep almost daily into the forefront of financial media
headlines, but still with much of the same denial and rhetoric.
I also included First
Financial Insights comments to Mr. Clugston, to further highlight that the hard
constraints we face, are now becoming much more definable; to the point where
we can project with certainty how long the planet's NNRs will be practical to
extract for our production and consumption purposes. It is also assured, that
most societies, economies and political structures will
have succumbed to utter chaos and anarchy, well before the complete
extraction of all NNRs occurs.
An answer to the last
question would provide a reasoned thoughtful view as to when a possible
exhaustion of NNRs could occur, but there are too many variables; I believe, to
venture a definitive date. The same is true for climate chaos, economic
collapse, natural events or nuclear annihilation. All are dark horses in a
race to the human-experiment's finish line. All could garner some form of
speculation as to which of them will enjoy the dark glory of its winner's
circle.
One
may handicap a favourite in this final race, but the ambiguity and
random nature of events moving forward, to my knowledge, make it impossible to
determine a winner. Until then, I guess we should just enjoy the discourse of
our speculations, live in peace and fight the fight.
Of Kindest Regards,
Dr Peter G Kinesa
January 6, 2013
A Dark Horse Race to the Finish
