OAA President Sheena Sharp opened the Conference and introduced Richard Heinberg, peak oil expert,who spoke about urbanization and globalization. Outlining the history of industrialization and urbanization he stressed that we appear to be reaching our limits of extraction and consumption of the earth's resources. He asked the audience to consider "Where do we go from here?" and "What does a post-carbon society look like?"

Heinberg believes this is a time of great transition, "the sustainability revolution" and we must keep a postive, optimistic attitude. "We can cooperate, use our creativity and apply the best solutions."  It will take cooperation, sharing, and understanding what is really important in life. "It is a (time of) reinvention of civilization, the most exciting challenge you can imagine...it certainly is for me."

Douglas Pinnell, Mumby Insurance, sponsors of the event, thanked the speaker. More than 500 people attended the luncheon.