Top Economist: A Once in a Lifetime Energy Crisis Is Coming

Top Economist: A Once in a Lifetime Energy Crisis Is Coming

June 23, 2026 · 14 min · Season 1 · Episode 137

About this episode

Steve Keen discusses the impending global energy crisis and its potential economic impacts.

👉 Download my 3-Book Rebel Economist Bundle (Free this week here): https://www.stevekeen.com Steve Keen, the economist who predicted the 2008 global financial crash when everyone else said everything was fine, is sounding the alarm again. This time, the threat isn't just a housing bubble: it's a full scale disruption of the global energy supply. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that carries roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas, is at the centre of escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Keen's argument is blunt: mainstream economics pretends energy and physical inputs don't matter, but labour without energy is a corpse and capital without energy is a sculpture. The numbers are already moving: liquid natural gas availability is down 20%, oil down 10 to 20%, fertilizer down over 30%, and helium and sulfuric acid down 50%. These aren't just commodities. Fertilizer, made from oil, is what allows the planet to feed 8 billion people. Without it, even countries like the UK, which imports up to 70% of its food, could face famine. Keen's prediction: a 10% fall in global energy means a 10% fall in GDP, two to four times worse than what America suffered in 2008. The silver…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Keen

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rebel Economist Bundle, UK

Places: U.S., Iran, Strait of Hormuz

More episodes of Rebel Economics with Dr. Steve Keen

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Rebel Economics with Dr. Steve Keen podcast page.