Sir – Are we ready for the twin challenges of Climate Change and Peak Oil?

Most people will know about climate change, but peak oil may be a new idea for some. Oil companies agree that oil will eventually run out, the only question is when. Some people think we have already reached the peak in world oil production.

It is likely that the high fuel prices we saw last year will return once the economy recovers. Transport is uniquely vulnerable to the end of cheap oil and there are no easy alternatives. On the High last week, I saw an electric delivery vehicle with the statement “Zero Emission Vehicle” on the back, but can this be true? How is most electricity produced? We urgently need to move to a low carbon economy, but substituting cheap oil with alternative fuels will not be a complete answer. I believe we will need to travel less far and less fast in future.

Oxford is already one of the country's leading cities for walking, cycling and public transport, but we have some way to go to match European cities such as Basle and Freiburg, where 75 per cent of journeys are made without the car.

How will we reorganise society in Oxford to reduce CO2 emissions from transport? What do you think the price of oil will be in 20 years’ time? How will this affect you and your business?

If you would like to discuss these and other questions relating to climate change and peak oil, come along to the Transition Oxford Transport Event on Thursday, April 23. For more information visit www.transitionoxford.org.uk

Simon Pratt, Oxford