While speculation still reigns in some quarters over the reality of a connection between carbon emissions and climate change, there is no doubt that running short of energy would be the most immediately catastrophic event for civilization.

FORBES: 'Clean Coal' Project Falters In U.K.

China wants to enhance its domestic production as a pricing hedge, all while the U.S. considers domestic energy development to be nothing short of a second industrial revolution.

FORBES: Has Unconventional Oil Production Peaked?

As for the timescale, fusion certainly wouldn't be available in the short-term, but the problem of providing viable energy sources is not going to get easier even if conservation, CO2 sequestration, fission and renewables are more widely used, and there are currently no other large-scale options beyond the 20-50-year timeframe.

BBC: VIEWPOINT

In Russia, the economic consequences of crony capitalism can be masked by high energy prices for a short while.

FORBES: If State Capitalism Is So Good, Why Are Russian And Chinese Entrepreneurs Fleeing?

In other words, Republicans should be very careful about having their energy dissipated by a series of diversionary battles over short-run spending bills.

FORBES: GOP Wins First Skirmish in Budget Fight, But Shutdown Battle Still Looms

Llywelyn Rhys, head of renewable energy trade association RenewableUK Cymru, said any disruption would be short term, adding there could be opportunities for local businesses.

BBC: Mid Wales

The U.S. energy situation can be improved by a number of actions--both in the short and long term.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Supercapacitors have a big internal surface-area that allows a large amount of energy to be delivered rapidly and are used in some electric cars to provide a short burst of power for rapid acceleration and in hybrids to recover energy during braking.

ECONOMIST: Carbon-composite batteries