This is the true story of how Cuba survived its peak oil crisis after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Now, Cuba serves as an example for how people can survive such a monstrous crisis. So while the rest of the world sits perched upon a financial crisis, an environmental crisis, an energy crisis, and who knows what else, we can learn a lot from Cuba about how building community can help us not only to survive the hard times, but to thrive during and after it. In doing so, we (like Cuba) may actually create a healthier, more sustainable way of life.
One caveat, though. I wonder if the Cuban people would have been so successful if their government hadn't helped them with things like subsidies and co-ops. Under similar circumstances, would the American government do the same?