May 31, 2012
By Matt Palmer
About two weeks ago I put out a call looking for people from all walks of life who would be willing to answer questions about their energy knowledge. The goal of this part of the project is gain awareness of how we understand energy as a society. The questions in the interviews are relatively basic, and what is important is not whether people are right or not, but really to gauge the general level of energy literacy across a spectrum of backgrounds, as well as political and philosophical leanings. There is no judgment, but the results will allow us to build a strategy to increase overall knowledge of our energy system.
On Monday I was contacted by email by a fellow, Morrie McBeth who found this blog through an internet search. He was looking for information about a sustainable community in Ontario. I saw the story on the CBC and wrote a post about it, and that is how Morrie found me.
After reading my blog, and happening to be in Calgary for a course, Morrie contacted me volunteering to be interviewed. We met up that day and shot the interview, and I am now posting experts from it in two parts.
Morrie was great, and very open, honest, and emotional with his answers. As a well-site geologist, he has an intimate knowledge of the oil industry, and what it takes to get oil out of the ground and to the the consumer. As a father, he has a passionate concern for the future of the economy, and environment.
This is the first in what will be a large series of interviews. If you are interested in participating please contact me. I am deeply indebted and grateful to Morrie for being the first interview.
Excellent idea. What better way to bring this issue into the consciousness of “ordinary” people than by having extraordinary “ordinary” people speak out about them. Thanks Matt.
Thanks Susan. I’d be happy to come interview you if you are up for it.
I’d be interested in talking to you further about the idea. I’ll contact you by email so we can discuss it further.
Matt, having said that I don’t have your email address..,what’s the best way for me to contact you?
You can reach me at mattrix@telusplanet.net
Brilliant! Well said Morrie and well done Matt. A very moving and thought provoking piece. Having two young boys it moved me to tears to consider the impact of what we do and use today will have on their future and the future of their children. Keep up it up! This story needs to be told.