The event is based on the theory of peak oil – meaning that production of oil will eventually reach a plateau – and how society copes with the aftermath. Estimates of when supplies will peak vary wildly from as soon as 2013 to as late as 2125. It is thought a peak in oil supply would initially cause a rise in cost and oil shortage, but eventually could have huge implications if alternative fuels are not found. Contestants in the Peak Oil Olympics challenge meet at the Cube Cinema on Saturday, July 1 2006, and will spend a day and a night in the city looking for survival basics such as food and water. Organiser Steve explained what would be expected of participants: “Event participants will be given a map of Bristol, with hotspots showing the location of challenges, with each challenge being awarded points according to difficulty. “Some might be simple like finding wild food to make soup, collecting wood to make heat, and some might be more complicated like creating a shelter from found materials or locating a medieval spring.” Steve added that the two-day challenge would help participants think more about their local environment. “Part of the point of the event is not to provide answers as such, but to encourage asking questions, as there appears to be no one solution to peak oil, rather a load of different solutions depending on your local circumstance. “There is also the learning potential of doing activities you don't normally do but in a familiar place.” You can find out more about peak oil at an exhibition at the Cube between July 1 and 9, and at the Create Centre between July 10 and 21. Anyone who wants to get involved in the Peak Oil Olympics needs to meet at the Cube at midday on July 1. | 
