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THE blowout of the Deepwater Horizon oil well is haunted by superlatives. The worst ecological disaster of modern times; the largest offshore oil spill in American history. Does that make it the wake-up call we all need to rethink our damaging addiction to oil? Sadly, no. In a year or two, few outside the usual environmental campaign circles will remember the trauma of the past three months, let alone be motivated to take action.

“In a year or two, few outside the usual environmental circles will remember this trauma”

A quick scan through history shows that massive disasters do not…

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