The author dismisses the use of nuclear energy too quickly - if necessary, we would no doubt crank up the production of refineries very quickly. The problem of course would be with terrorists. Osama and his ilk would probably revel in the scenario depicted in the article
"The problem of course would be with terrorists."
Damn terrorists steal all the glory. What about materials transport / waste disposal / uncontrolled meltdown issues? They concern me more than any terrorist threat, because they _are_ are problem, have been a problem for years, and will continue to be. Assuming the War On Terizm is going to be won, Osama won't be a problem in 20 years...will he?
In 20 years' time (assuming humanity doesn't go extinct, of course), there are going to be a lot of pissed-off Arabs with nothing to lose. So, whatever happens with Osama, terrorism may very well still be a problem.
On the other hand, there's the other argument that oil has been a curse for the Arabs, since it's dramatically increased the gap between the haves and have-nots.
no oil = no international travel
i guess they'll fly hang gliders into buildings then.
cool.
splat!
Some commentary: http://www.livejournal.com/users/regohemia/102218.html