Tuesday, 09-26-2006

Breaking the Addiction to Oil

The price of oil has risen from $34 per barrel in 2004 to $78 per barrel in 2006. How are sky-rocketing energy prices affecting the global economy? What are some concrete steps that need to be taken in order to decrease the United States’ dependency on oil? What can Seattle do to prepare for peak oil? Besides oil companies, who else benefits from rising oil prices?

The World Affairs Council of Seattle presents Christopher Flavin, President and CEO of the Worldwatch Institute, an international research organization whose focus is the achievement of an environmentally sustainable future and a socially just society, to speak on the U.S. oil dependency crisis at an evening lecture on Tuesday, September 26. Flavin will discuss his strategy for improving energy efficiency, developing renewable fuels, and building cooperative alliances with countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

About the Speaker
In addition to serving at the Worldwatch Institute, Flavin has been a long-time critic of U.S. energy policy and the failures of several presidents and congresses to develop a viable alternative to dependence on fossil fuels. Mr. Flavin is widely known for his writing on energy strategies and policies, including the prospects for oil, strategies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and the potential for new and renewable energy technologies. He has testified before national legislatures, and meets frequently with the leaders of governments, international agencies, and corporations. He is active in international policy circles on climate change and energy, and has participated in several historic international conferences, including the Climate Change Conference in Kyoto in 1997 and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002.

Flavin’s presentation will be followed by a brief Q&A session.

Co-Sponsors:
BP
Consulate General of Canada, Seattle
Sierra Club Cascade Chapter

Co-Presenters:
Climate Solutions
EarthCorps
Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative