The Power Of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil (2006) | Official Full Documentary

The Community Solution is an organization focused on local community-based strategies to cope with the impending peak oil crisis, emphasizing cooperation, conservation, and curtailment. Their interest in Cuba arises from the island's significant response to an economic crisis post-Soviet Union, deemed the 'special period', which serves as an early model for addressing future global energy challenges.

In the early 1990s, Cuba faced economic collapse, losing substantial GDP and 80% of its foreign trade, leading to severe oil shortages and a food crisis. This scenario required the Cuban population to adapt quickly, initiating urban vegetable cultivation to survive, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity and resource scarcity.

As global oil production nears its peak—suggesting an ultimate decline in energy availability—the study of Cuba's historical response during its economic crisis offers valuable insights into managing impending similar global crises created by peak oil.

The concept of peak oil, established by Dr. M. King Hubbert, highlights the unsustainable trajectory of oil reliance, suggesting that the end of cheap fossil fuels could radically alter societal structures. Despite recognizing the regressions in energy consumption, post-1970 US policies favored traditional energy practices, ignoring long-term sustainability, a lesson Cuba learned the hard way.

In the wake of the 1970s oil crisis, repeated warnings by geologists went unheeded, leading to unchecked fossil fuel dependence. American policies reverted to prioritizing oil production over sustainable energy solutions, sidelining innovations that might have mitigated future crises, ultimately resulting in a cycle of crisis and reaction.

Cuba's post-Soviet investments in oil-dependent agricultural systems faltered, leading to widespread malnutrition. Immediate drastic adaptations were necessary, transitioning from industrial agriculture reliant on imports to localized food production, prompting a community-driven approach to food security and agriculture.

Cuba's urban gardens and permaculture initiatives emerged from the dire need during the special period, transforming city landscapes into productive spaces. They cultivated community cooperation while providing essential food sources amid scarcity, highlighting the role of grassroots efforts in sustainable urban agriculture.

The shift towards organic farming in Cuba allowed a reorientation of its agricultural sector, ultimately leading to higher yields without fossil fuel dependence. Educational workshops facilitated knowledge transfer among citizens, focusing on food production resilience in the face of resource limitations and environmental considerations.

Innovative transportation solutions emerged in Cuba through necessity, drastically reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Widespread use of bicycles, carpooling, and creative alternatives such as repurposed trucks demonstrated adaptability while fostering a culture of community interdependence during significant fuel shortages.