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Parent Category: Upper-Intermediate News Lessons

Category: Environment Lesons

Written by Chris Cotter

Imagine a bleak and not so distant future. The planet's oil supply has dropped to a trickle. The prices of goods and services have sharply increased because of fuel costs. The economies of many countries have nearly crashed as a result. Lastly, the cities have become filled with hungry and desperate people, some of whom have turned into violent, marauding groups. For most people, this scenario is merely science fiction. However, more and more people believe that this is the fate of our civilization. What's more, the signs to this dark time could be witnessed within the next few years.

The problem is oil, as its production could soon peak. After this high point, there will simply be less and less oil available. This poses all sorts of problems because modern society has been built on this limited energy source. These survivalists have begun to prepare for the worst, though. They have moved to rural areas, learned to become self-sufficient, and even have stock-piled guns to defend their property against mobs.

It's important to note that many of these people believe that nothing can save the modern world. So quite a few have begun to prepare for the end in secret, worried when unprepared people abandonthe cities in search of food and shelter.

On the brighter side, many of these survivalists see a day when neighbors join together and become a close-knit community once more. In addition, many anticipate that their children and grandchildren will return to help work the land. As a result, the family unit will once more have an important role in people's lives.