Peak Oil as a Behavioral Problem

Abstract

Peak oil is the point at which oil production reaches a maximum value andthereafter declines. Because of the dependence of industrialized society on oil, peak oil may beone of the most important, possibly cataclysmic, events in modern history. Averting economicdamage due to peak oil is defined as a behavioral problem requiring avoidance responding as a solution. Factors that impede successful avoidance responding are examined. A risk management approach for addressing the problem is advocated.