We live in a society dependent on cheap and easily available energy.Every day, Canadians use almost five times more energy than the average person on this planet.But easy to extract, cheap energy is becoming scarce. The world is consuming more energy every year, while less and less oil and natural gas reserves are being found.When shocks occur, like natural disasters and international conflict, and that energy is disrupted, we’re left vulnerable to the whims of nature.What happens when it runs out? How would you travel? How would you keep warm? How would food get on your table?North Americans are increasingly preparing for the worst case scenario: ready to run for the hills, in the event of undetermined societal collapse.Fear of climate change, economic instability, energy shortages and political and security threats seem to be having a toll on our confidence as a civilization. One decade into the 21st Century, and already some of us are feeling a looming sense of dread.Signs of this survivalist mentality are all over the Internet, from discussion forums to blogs and increased media attention. Pop culture seems to be obsessed with apocalyptic visions, from books to movies and videogames.Survivalists are preparing for what they call the end of the world as we know it, stocking up on stores of food and weapons and ammunition, preparing escape packs and routes, and building bug out shelters. Others are merely preparing for a gentler transition to what they call a post-carbon society. They’re developing sustainable farming practices and rediscovering how to live off the land.