On a positive note, my latest economist quotes GE as saying that they expect something like 15% of our power to come from wind by 2020. Within a few years solar power will likely as cheap or cheaper than natural gas power. Many companies are working on next generation lithium ion car batteries that may allow 200-300 mile ranges and 5 minute recharges, thus decoupling our transportation costs from the price of oil.

On another positive note, my dad recently signed up to lease solar panels for his house. No money down, and the payments are cheaper than the electricity that they're replacing, so he'll actually be spending less per month on electricity. Let me put that in a more basic equation. Upfront cost waived, solar panels, lower total cost of electricity, right now. I believe that solar city is the company that does it.

Given cheap solar power and a future of cars that run on electricity and I'm optimistic.