Volatile times - Transport, climate change and the price of oil

Predicting the price of oil is a slippery business. In summer 2008 the price of a barrel peaked to almost $147 per barrel. More recently the price has fallen back around $50 per barrel. So was the high peak in prices a temporary blip? Or do we need to prepare for an era of higher oil and energy prices? Within the current financial climate, how do we frame this trend against one of the most significant challenges we face - climate change?

In the future all sectors of the economy are likely to be affected to some extent by the end of the era of cheap oil. But the effect on the transport sector will be greatest because it is so heavily reliant on liquid fuels.

What does this mean for local authorities?

There is growing consensus that councils should be leading the national effort to tackle climate change. Councils can therefore take strategic action to reduce transport related carbon emissions (a major source of climate change) which can in turn address some of the impacts of oil price oil price volatility. This timely report therefore: Analyses the evidence and theory surrounding the debate on oil price volatility.

• Makes key recommendations to councils about the practical steps they can take to adapt both their own operations and help business and householders.
• Signposts some of the tools, organisation(s) and resources that can offer further support.
• Offers a number of case studies from local authorities (nationally and internationally) who are adopting innovative ways to help reduce the pressure on their budgets from spiralling fuel costs.

The report concludes with specific recommendations to central government about how it can help local government respond to the challenges and opportunities. This includes:

• Dismantling the bureaucracy behind transport funding and transport project appraisal,
• Empowering councils to rapidly improve bus services.
• Reforming the current system of public bus subsidies for buses to help fight climate change, provide better bus services and give better value for money to the tax payer.

This information will be applicable to all member and office communities, not just those focused on environment or transport issue.

Volatile times - Transport, climate change and the price of oil (PDF, 24 pages, 1354KB)

Preparing for Peak Oil: Local Authorities and the Energy Crisis

There is growing consensus that the world will experience an energy crunch within the next decade. In the light of this impending crisis, the Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC) has prepared a report aimed specifically at Local Authorities, to assist in informing them about this topic and to provide ideas for creating a response strategy.

Copies of Preparing for Peak Oil: Local Authorities and the Energy Crisis can be ordered, free of charge, from ODAC for local government staff or councillors. To receive your copy e‐mail: info@odac‐info.org giving details of your role, or telephone: +44 (0)20 8144 8359.

ODAC has given presentations to a number of UK Councils on this topic. If you would like to arrange a visit from an ODAC trustee, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Praise for Preparing for Peak Oil: Local Authorities and the Energy Crisis:

“The report Preparing for Peak Oil: Local Authorities and the Energy Crisis has proved an invaluable source of guidance to Nottingham City Council as it starts to determine the potential effects of peak oil on the delivery of services... The report is particularly useful in that it clearly states the headline actions that local authorities should take to respond to a diminishing energy supply in order to increase its resilience as well as the wider community’s resilience.”

Matthew Easter ‐ Nottingham City Council

Preparing for Peak Oil: Local Authorities and the Energy Crisis http://www.odac-info.org/