I pick and choose whom I will talk about it with.  I can talk about it with my family, as they know I'm nuts and tolerate me.  They also know I'm sometimes right.  My dad understands the issues, but thinks things will not be as bad as the gloom and doom scenarios.  He believes there are always moderating influences.  But also, it's hard for him to imagine a world utterly different from that he's lived in all these years.  

I am careful about such "hot button" issues at work, where people have no choice but to be there with you & I don't want to be tiresome.  Somehow PO is too close to politics, and therefore taboo.  I have not yet figured why!  I discussed it at length the other day with one of my co-workers who I know has an open mind - he's dealt with me on medical issues where I also have unconventional views (which he largely agrees with).  His reaction was somewhat cool, but I know he will watch and digest what I said, and he may come back later if things seem to be going as I described.  But most people think technology will save the day, if they think about it at all.

But I do sense a growing feeling of gloom about the future from a lot of people.  For most it is un-quantified, but there nonetheless.  People are worried and potentially very angry.  I'm expecting to see some serious political manifestations of this soon, and I'm wondering if there is some way to channel this into doing something productive about energy conservation / alternate sources.  I have no idea how.  Perhaps if it is shown that the Iraq war really was about oil, you might not be looked at like you have a third eye when you talk about PO!