The worst-case scenario associated with peak oil and natural gas is the unraveling of the social fabric. The Task Force does not predict this will happen, and its recommendations are intended to help guard against it. However, the potential impacts are so large that social unraveling deserves mention.

Society will not collapse simply because of a sudden or extreme reduction of oil and natural gas supplies. Severe social disruption could occur, however, if the collective response breaks down. Without community cohesion, self-organization and teamwork, individuals may feel isolated and focus only on their own survival. This outcome would severely magnify the impacts of economic dislocations, mental health problems and crime described elsewhere in this report.

A strong community is therefore critical to finding and implementing solutions to overcome the impacts of peak oil. Equally importantly, a major part of the response to peak oil will come from the citizens themselves, not just government programs. These solutions will be fostered if there is a sense of community and stymied if there is not.