Does it make sense to move to a new location because of peak oil? I can think of reasons on both sides of the discussion. I list some ideas below the fold. How do readers feel about this issue?
Some reasons one might want to move:
1. To be closer to family. If times get tough, economically or otherwise, it is can be better to be near kin-folk.
2. To own a piece of arable land in an area with good weather. If one actually plans to operate the farm by oneself, one would need the skills to use the land productively.
3. To be closer to energy sources that are likely to continue. This could be as simple as being near wooded areas. It could also be to be near hydroelectric, or some other form of energy (coal, oil, geothermal, wind turbines, etc.).
4. To leave an area with inadequate water supply. Los Vegas and Phoenix come to mind as examples.
5. To be in a better place for long-term jobs. Different people will have different ideas as to where these locations might be.
6. To be part of a Transition Town. Or perhaps some similar group, that is planning to deal creatively with peak oil issues.
7. To be where public transportation is available. If one feels that the major issue will be a lack of cheap fuel, this might be an option.
8. To leave an area that seems to be seriously overpopulated for its resources. This could be a city or a country.
9. To leave an area where the weather is very severe. This might especially be the case if you believe heating is likely to be a problem in the future.
10. To leave an area where obtaining enough fuel (or electricity) is a problem. I understand this is already an issue in parts of Alaska.
Some reasons not to move
1. Have friends, family, and a job where you are now. It would be impossible to move everyone, and find jobs for everyone, in a new location.
2. Not customary to move. In the USA, we think nothing of people moving to a new state every few years. But in many parts of the world, people customarily stay put. Moving is not really an option.
3. Not welcome in the new area. If the new area is a close-knit community, it may be difficult to make new friends.
4. Not enough money. It costs money to relocate. Buying several acres for a farm, plus equipment, is likely to be prohibitively expensive for most.
5. Devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know. The new community may only appear to be better than what you have. Trying to farm without the skills will be very difficult.
6. Can’t sell your house. Or the price you would get for it would leave your penniless.
7. Too many sunk investments. If you have insulated your home, added solar hot water, and a garden, it will be hard to replace these elsewhere.
8. Inertia. It takes a lot of work to research a new area, uproot family, and get settled in a new area.
What are readers views on this issue?
Have people tried moving to Transition Towns? What has your experience been?
How about people who have moved to a new area on their own, to garden or farm–what have your experiences been?
I would assume that most people who have thought about the idea of moving have decided to stay put, since making a big move is difficult. In recessionary times, it is especially difficult to move, except to move back in with family or friends. If peak oil is likely to cause a worsening recession going forward (as some of us believe), this may affect the kinds of moves people are willing and able to make.
