Appropriate Technology for an Uncertain Future - Philip Churchill - January 20, 2007

Since Alan and I last talked about apprpriate technology, I've been doing a
lot of research into possible scenarios that Peak Oil could create. As I've
mentioned in previous writings, it is difficult to decide what scenario to
prepare for because there are so many of them. As I did my research, I began
to notice some common themes emerging.
First, most writers, including Alan, seem to be concerned with retaining
as much of our current technology and civilization as possible. Yet they all
say that our technology and civilization are what's causing the problem. (I
have to admit Alan is not as concerned with retaining civilization as he is
with technology. Of course, he is dependent on medication that requires
refrigeration so I do understand his position.)
Second, most writers seem concerned with getting as many like-minded
people together as possible, either as a group or network.
As I noticed these two themes I began to compare them with my own
training. All of my training has been for scenarios where little or no
modern technology is available, such as loss of equipment due to capsizing
during a canoe trip. And my training has been for scenarios where there were
no other people to help, only myself to rely on.
Since my training has been focused on individual survival, this essay is
written from that perspective. I'll try to give some guidelines on
determining what technology is appropriate and discuss some problems I see
with some of the current recommendations.
My philosophy for preparing is simple "Prepare for the worst, Hope for the
best". With that in mind, lets look at the criteria for an appropriate
technology.
1. It must be easy to transport. Since fuel supplies will be limited after
Peak Oil, technology that requires a motorized vehicle to transport will be
of limited use. Only technology that can be carried by a person on foot or
perhaps on a bicycle or horse is appropriate.
2. It must be easy to maintain. The more complex technology is, the more
difficult it is to repair if it breaks down. So the simpler the technology
the better.
3. It must be easy to replace. Complex technology will be difficult to
replace if supply lines are disrupted by Peak Oil, simple technology is much
easier to replace if lost or broken.
In my view, the only technologies are appropriate are very simple, ideally
those that can be made one's own hands with simple tools from readily
available materials. While many people will feel that this limits available
technologies too much, you'd be surprised at what can be built with simple
tools.
The Mayans, Incas and Aztecs built huge cities with nothing but stone tools.
Now the problems I see. Many writers are recommending putting together
either solar or wind systems for electricity. While electricity does run our
society, most of it is generated by fossil fuels. These systems are fine if
the impact of Peak Oil only creates short term interruptions of power and
does not create major disruptions of society and the economy. But what
happens if Peak Oil has a major impact? One only has to look at what
happened during WWII when oil supplies were cut off to Europe. The first
thing that happened was governments confiscated all supplies of fuel. That
could happen here as well during Peak Oil. But as I see it, since our
society runs on electricity, it seems logical that government agencies will
also confiscate all power generating systems. Especially those in urban
areas. "For the good of the community". I'm not saying don't put in solar or
wind systems, just be prepared to have them taken away if the shit really
hits the fan.
Another problem with solar and wind for electrical power is the fact that
they require extra equipment to be of practical use. Batteries, charge
controllers and inverters are required in order to use most appliances. That
means more things to maintain and a greater likelyhood of breakdowns. All in
all, I'm forced to conclude that any system for generating electricity is a
short term solution. The fact is, electricity is a convenience created by
cheap fossil fuels.
In my opinion the best technologies are those that can be carried on your
person or better yet, in your head. That way they are always available and
can't be taken away from you. That said, these are a few of the subjects I
recommend studying.
Edible and Medicinal Plants - The Peterson and National Audubon Society
field guides are excellent and have color photos to help with
identification.
Wilderness Survival - Tom Brown's field guides and the Society of
Primitive Technology website are good starts.
Flintknapping - The Art of Flintknapping by DC Waldorf, Moundbuilder Books
and Flintknapping- Making and Understanding Stone Tools by John C. Whittaker
are good. Attend a few knap-ins for hands on instruction. Just Google
"knap-ins" for info on those in your area.
Blacksmithing - Tons of info on the Internet. Simple forges and smelters
can be made from little more than rocks and mud.
Passive solar systems - Internet and books. Buildings and other shelters
can be made with simple tools that use solar energy to provide most of their
heating and cooling needs. Solar cookers can be made from cardboard boxes
and aluminum foil.
Organic gardening - Books and Internet
Adobe and Earth Homes - Books and Internet. While earth homes take time
and energy to construct, they can be built with simple tools. Combined with
passive solar they are very energy efficient.
Woodgas stoves - Internet. Stoves of this type are light weight and can be
made from soup and vegetable cans. They drastically reduce the amount of
wood needed to cook with.
This list will give you a good start in preparing for Peak Oil and you
will think of other subjects to study as you go along. We have a tremendous
tool for research in the Internet. Use it. I wish it had existed when I
started training 35 years ago. One thing this type of training will do is
change your perspective of nature and the earth. It definitely did for me.
When I walk or hike outdoors, for me it is like walking thru a supermarket
or hardware store. I know nature provides everything I need, not only to
survive but live comfortably. I truly understand why primitive people say
the earth is their mother. Treat her with the respect she deserves. Thanks
for reading. Philip

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