At some time in the near future, humans will be forced to start taking less oil from the Earth each year than in the year before. This turning point, called peak oil, will mark the end of growth of oil production, and the beginning of permanent decline. Our present lifestyle will be challenged as the supply of oil (and other fossil fuels) diminishes, and prices increase. The questions of peak oil are large. The answers are not obvious, and in some cases may not yet exist.
The internet offers the possibility for many minds to work together on a single problem. This is especially valuable in tackling large problems with many pieces. This approach offers unprecedented potential for rapidly generating, critiquing, and refining solutions. These solutions can be used as a resource by policy-makers, community groups, and individuals alike.
The essence of the WhyNot approach is to start by asking yourself "Why don't they...", or "Why Not...", and use that as the springboard to think of an idea. Once one person has suggested an idea, other people offer extensions or refinements. This is quite different from a weblog or a discussion group. You'll have to try it for yourself to see the possibilities.
