… of ‘Peak-niks’.

This time it’s BBC presenter Monty Don.

Meanwhile, there was an interesting story about UK Energy Research Centre study.

As people cut their bills by using more efficient devices, they tend to spend the extra money buying additional goods that cancel out some of the savings.

This is a really good example of Jevon’s Paradox in action.

In his 1865 book The Coal Question, Jevons observed that England’s consumption of coal soared after James Watt introduced his coal-fired steam engine, which greatly improved the efficiency of Thomas Newcomen’s earlier design. Watt’s innovations made coal a more cost effective power source, leading to increased use of his steam engine in a wide range of industries. This in turn made total coal consumption rise, even as the amount of coal required for any particular application fell.

Meanwhile, there are price rises in China due to supply issues.

… and things keep on getting worse. The march toward the $100 barrel continues (it hit $96 today at one stage).