NORWAY — The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy will host local engineer, farmer, writer, activist and long distance runner John Howe on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at the center at 447 Main St. He will speak about his book, “The End of Fossil Energy and Per-Capita Oil.” For more than a decade, Howe, the designer and builder of a solar powered tractor, portable grain thresher and other solar powered devices, has been studying “peak oil” and how it will impact the future of a growing population in the U.S. and beyond.

In his book, Howe looks at consumption and production rates of crude oil, which is the backbone of the U.S. transportation and agricultural sectors and compares this to the growing demand for automobile transportation and food commodities. While gas and oil prices are now low, Howe warns that this will soon change as global demand increases and easily accessible reserves dwindle. A self-described “numbers guy,” Howe, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, will present various scenarios based on production, consumption and population variables.

After Howe’s presentation, CEBE staff will host a forum on what can be done to lessen the impacts of dwindling oil supplies on our long-range prospects as a community, a nation and civilization in general. Don’t miss this compelling talk and come prepared to discuss how we can transition to a post-carbon future.

For more information, call the CEBE at 739-2124.