<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/kunstlercastcover.thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="100" height="100" /></span>Outrageous, snarky, “madly engaging,” bileful—these are a few of the terms that have been used to describe author and social critic James Howard Kunstler.

<p>Some nineteen months ago, this blog launched what I thought would be a relatively straightforward survey of the role of myth, narrative and the nonrational in shaping the peak oil debate.

<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/ASPO -USAlogo80.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="80" height="80" /></span>A weekly roundup of peak oil news, including:<br />
-Oil and the global economy<br />
-The Iranian confrontation<br />
-Gasoline<br />
-In the Congress<br />
-Quote of the week<br />
-Briefs</p>

<p>Now more than ever, leaders need to focus on what matters most - the long-term resilience of people and the planet - the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability urged in its report presented today to UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon in Addis Ababa.</p>

<p>- Put planet and its people at the core of sustainable development, urges report<br />
- UN panel aims for 'a future worth choosing'<br />
- UN paints bleak picture of sustainability<br />
- U.N. pitches Rio+20 talks as a departure from political strife over climate change</p>
<p><a href="http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2012-01-31/bold-sustability-strategy-un">read more</a></p>

<p>All of a sudden, the Strait of Hormuz has become the most combustible spot on the planet, the most likely place to witness a major conflict between well-armed adversaries.&nbsp; Why, of all locales, has it become so explosive?</p>
<p>Oil, of course, is a major part of the answer, but -- and this may surprise you -- only a part.</p>

<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/ASPO -USAlogo80.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="80" height="80" /></span>A weekly roundup of peak oil news, including:<br />
-Oil and the global economy<br />
-the Iranian confrontation<br />
-The Euro crisis<br />
-Refining petroleum<br />
-Quote of the week

<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/ASPO -USAlogo80.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="80" height="80" /></span>A midweekly roundup of peak oil news, including:<br />
-Developments this week</p>

<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/piggy.thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="100" height="84" /></span>Michael Mandlebaum argues in The Frugal Superpower that the US is too cash-strapped to continue its interventionist stance. He advises cutting oil dependence.</p>

<p>- EU prepares unprecedented attack on Iranian economy<br />
- Barrelling towards fuel shortages<br />
- An Iran war is brewing from mutual ignorance and chronic miscalculation</p>
<p><a href="http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2012-01-20/iran-standoff-jan-20">read more</a></p>

<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/ASPO -USAlogo80.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="80" height="80" /></span>A midweekly roundup of peak oil news, including:<br />
-Developments this week</p>

<p>Some economists have claimed that the U.S. economy is less vulnerable to oil price shocks than it used to be. Close down the Strait of Hormuz, and you'll get a good test of that theory. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2012-01-17/iranian-oil-embargo">read more</a></p>

<p>- Oil Climbs From Four-Week Low as Iran Warns of Hormuz Supply Disruption<br />
- India to pay for Iran crude in rupees<br />
- Juan Cole: Iran Hype undermined by Obama Administration Admissions<br />
- Iran playing war games, but not in video arcades</p>
<p><a href="http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2012-01-17/iran-standoff-jan-17">read more</a></p>

<p>- U.S. Sends Top Iranian Leader a Warning on Strait Threat<br />
- Who is responsible for the Iran nuclear scientists attacks?<br />
- Russia Warns of US Strike on Iran</p>
<p><a href="http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2012-01-13/iran-and-spectre-war-jan-13">read more</a></p>

<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.energybulletin.net/sites/default/files/images/ODAC.thumbnail.JPG" alt="" title="" class="image image-thumbnail" width="100" height="45" /></span>Fears of an EU recession gained ground this week with news that the German economy shrank in Q4.