There is no need for news flashes anymore about rising oil costs. Americans are painfully aware of every fluctuation in prices at the pump. But what is really causing the high cost and what in the world can we do about it? There have been a slew of scapegoats put under the gun, from speculators, to OPEC, to “Big Oil” companies like ExxonMobil and Shell. And, according to The Nation, these have all played their undeniable role in the spike, but the real reason is simple, and not so much a secret itself.

The fact is that demand is far outstripping supply.

Demand for oil is ever-increasing, intensified by China’s rapid growth. And the global supply of oil is diminishing, intensified by instability and posturing in the Middle East. Arguably, much of our present frustration over gasoline prices was avoidable. An energy policy that focuses its attention on a dwindling resource, complicated by a foreign policy that has alienated Iran, which holds the world’s second largest oil reserves and is only producing at half capacity, is likely to be unsuccessful. These issues, along with the profit-happy oil companies and speculators, are all compounding the basic problem of diminishing supply.

As many scientists and experts, not to mention consumers, have suggested, the only real solution to oil prices is lessening the demand for oil…an “easier said than done” proposition.

For years a move to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels has been at our fingertips. And yet we seemingly crawl toward energy independence, while gasoline prices have continued to escalate. So far the clean energy movement has been led by determined individuals and progressive U.S. states. Meanwhile, the federal government has followed along rather sluggishly; making symbolic moves to support resources such as solar and wind but still adhering quite religiously to their fossil fuel initiatives.

How long will these price hikes last?

Despite all the likely or possible causes of the dramatic rise in oil prices, only a decreasing demand can feasibly lower prices at this point. And our best bet for that dream is renewable energy. Likely to be dominated by solar, the clean energy movement is fast accelerating. Even while the supply of oil is fast diminishing year by year, the demand for clean, eco-friendly energy sources is just as fast increasing. One can only hope that the federal government will get behind solar (and slowly they walk that line) and other renewable resources with as much zeal as it still supports the oil and gas industry. But, like most movements in American history, the solution is likely to be realized through the will of the people making conscious, green choices.

In the short term, it is unlikely that we will see a significant drop in prices at the pump.

Politicians and candidates will probably have a myriad of short-term solutions, such as repealing the gas tax or using our daily reserves. But these proposals are more gimmick than guts. While a short-term reprieve may win a vote or two, it will not solve any problems. Our future is not just a day in November, it is every day. And everyday oil prices climb higher.

Posted on August 1st in Solar News by Dan.