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Peaking: A Theory of Rapid Transition

How Patterns of Peak, Plateau, and Decline Point to Fossil Fuels’ Accelerating End

By Kingsmill Bond and Sam Butler-Sloss

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The Peaking Series – 1. Theory

The Peaking Series is a new series mapping the vast mountain range of past and current peaks in fossil fuel demand. In country after country, sector after sector, fossil fuel demand has peaked and now faces a future of decline. This report develops a new framework, The Peak, Plateau, and Decline, to chart the shape of change; subsequent reports will show how this story is playing out in key sectors and regions of the world, from cars to electricity, from the United States to China.

About the Authors

Kingsmill Bond

Sam Butler-Sloss

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