The Middle East: Stormwatch | Frankly #46
Today, I’m offering a short reflection on the recent events in the Middle East and how they could lead to a shortening of the timeline to The Great Simplification. For those fortunate to live outside the direct impacts of these conflicts, many - like me - feel pressure to stay informed about our turbulent, rapidly evolving global landscape. Yet my biggest insight this week wasn’t about Israel or Iran or oil, but the recognition we need (and will continue to need) to balance everyday tasks and chores that keep our lives going as we ‘watch the storm’.
Is it possible to also remain grounded in the present realities of our daily lives? How do individual responses to this past week’s geopolitical events vary depending on the livelihood demands of the here and now? Is it possible to live simply in our own lives while also engaging globally ahead of the Great Simplification?
In case you missed it…
This week, Art Berman returned to give a broad update on the global energy situation - from BRICS+ to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and shale oil depletion/investment. Given Art’s longtime apt insights into the global dynamics of oil - and as the world continues to have our energy blinders removed, I plan for him to return every few months on this topic (as long as the podcast is going). As Art says, ‘oil is the economy’ and understanding the complex dynamics of the oil market provides insight into the entire economic system. What are the current dynamics affecting oil prices and how will this affect the long term out-look of oil availability?
If you appreciate The Great Simplification podcast…
Be sure to leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! Leaving reviews helps the podcast grow, which helps spread awareness of our systemic situation from experts in ecology, energy, policy, economics, technology, and community building so that we can better understand - and respond to - the challenges of the coming decade.
The Great Simplification podcast is produced by The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future (ISEOF), a 501(c)(3) organization. We want to keep all content completely free to view globally and without ads. If you’d like to support ISEOF and it’s content via donation, please use the link below.
Wow, good talk Nate!
With ‘you must stop worrying about the future and start worrying about today’, I teared up. It hit me hard. Still I don’t think your local farmer does that. He tends to today, worry is not part of that. My best days are like that. Sub-tragic not post.....
I listened to you for the first time on the Surviving the Future course three years ago. And I must remark how much you have evolved since. The wide scope of your view makes you a rare panoramic; my word for those who step back and squint....
Have a good Saturday!