What I am visualizing as a major problem is our overall unwillingness to admit that things are really going to change.

We are water, resource, and energy hogs. We use more than our fair share of everything, and feel it is our right, since we can afford to pay for it. And when we really start to feel the pinch via rationing, we will be totally unprepared for dealing with it. Just because you can afford to drive a daily commute of 200 miles in your private car doesn't mean that that is the best use of resources.

The American response to the gas shortages of the 70s was to create gas-guzzling SUVs, Hummers, motorhomes and honking big show-off pickup trucks. How's THAT for dealing with reality?

In the Philippines they have what they call jitneys, converted vehicles like buses designed to carry the maximum number of people for the lowest cost. Halfway down this page on the left, it shows a double-decker jitney with a canvas tarp as a cover. THAT'S doing the most with the least.

During the Great Depression, many people traveled in railroad boxcars, even crossing the country. Today, riding the rails (depending on the state) can vary from a small fine to a misdemeanor to a $500 fine to a felony charge. Smarter states (NJ, NY) have simply decreed that if an illicit passenger is injured, he can't recover damages.

Between overwhelming greed and excessive regulation, we aren't really in any position at this time to deal with Peak Oil, and won't be for a long time, if ever. We're just not that... bright, I guess.
Sue