Contents

Executive Summary

Preface
What is this guidebook?
Who should use this guidebook, and why?
About Post Carbon Institute
About the Author
Acknowledgements

1. Introduction
1.1. The new challenge of uncertainty
1.2. Peak oil and energy uncertainty
1.3. Global warming and climate uncertainty
1.4. A job for government
1.5. A job for municipalities
1.6. Planning for energy and climate uncertainty
1.7. Urgency to act

2. The End of Cheap Oil and Natural Gas
2.1. Uses of oil and natural gas
2.2. Oil supply and demand
2.3. Natural gas supply and demand
2.4. Unconventional oil and substitutes
2.5. The implications

3. Local Challenges, Local Advantages
3.1. The challenges our cities face
3.2. Understanding the complexity of energy uncertainty
3.3. Responding at the local level
3.4. Reaching out beyond City Hall
3.5. Leadership

4. Responses to Energy and Climate Uncertainty
4.1. Local government responses to energy uncertainty
4.2. Local government responses to climate uncertainty

5. Transitioning to the Post Carbon World
5.1. Unprecedented challenges
5.2. Unusual opportunities
5.3. What your city can do
5.4. The Bottom Line

6. Appendix
6.1. Guide to making a government statement on peak oil
6.2. Guide to establishing a peak oil task force
6.3. Systems Thinking: A Tool for Municipalities
6.4. Resources