Do you actually care about the world's finite oil reserves, or are you oblivious to the future?

[StageLeft]

I read more and more about "peak oil". Basically once we as a world hit peak oil production we're in for a "treat". As everybody knows the world, year after year, increases its demand of oil. Once peak production is hit and oil demand continues to grow this demand vs. diminishing supply will be arguably catastrophic to the world's economy and prosperity. The only way around it at that point is to either jack up production (by finding new oil reserves, refining techniques, or opening up existing reserves that have been restricted, like those in Alaska), or reduce demand by relying more on alternative energy sources.

Sure we've all heard about how in the 70's people were crying for the end of the world. Well, they were wrong, but it doesn't mean that current scientists are. It's possible that peak production will be in a couple of years. Or, it's possible that it will be in 20 years. Or 50. But, probably much sooner. So, do you think about it, or just continue to fill up at the pump as if 2/3 of the world was covered in oil, and there will be plenty for you and your descendants?

In a world where politicians don't care much about the future 10 years from now, but the future to their next election, can you really afford to count on the foresight of your government to withstand the impact of the inevitable diminished oil production in a world where demand continues to rise?

 

[nodoubts2k]

I care, but its going to take some drastic measures to change a world that has been relying on fossil fuels for decades to change. Not to mention we cant use ALL of the oil...

Edit: I guess with the fuel prices going up the public at large will have a more exposed view of what is actually happening. (in the US at least)

 

[arcenite]

I think about the problem every time I goto the gas station, but I also think if I don't put gas in my car, i'm gonna be walking home.

Bill

 

[StageLeft]

Well it seems quite likely to me that once oil production does decrease and OPEC starts raising prices and other distributors of oil it won't be too far off before "certain countries" call foul and attack these other countries "in the interests of national security".

 

[nodoubts2k]

1000th post! (im sorry i had to do it )

 

[Ameesh]

what is this future you talk of?

 

[Maleficus]

oblivion please!

 

[ElFenix]

the chinese are converting to burning oil instead of coal, and theres billions of them... its gonna be bad

 

[Amused]

It wont be happening in my lifetime. And when it does, we will adapt.

I liked it when the doomdayers were all focused on Y2K.

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: Amused
It wont be happening in my lifetime. And when it does, we will adapt.

I liked it when the doomdayers were all focused on Y2K.

Yeah, we'll figure something out.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Ameesh
what is this future you talk of?

Read first post in thread.

It wont be happening in my lifetime. And when it does, we will adapt.

How do you know it won't? realize that a lot of people though Y2K was overblown. Nobody is saying that oil is infinite. Adaption is easier if you prepare for it - which is exactly why Y2K went off without a hitch, because people prepared for it.

 

[jjones]

I'm pretty much apathetic about most everything.

 

[KGB1]

We obviously take many things for granted in this world. In chemical terms, matter is never created or destroyed; it merely takes on different forms. With that in mind, we will undoutably run out of oil, while at the same time new oil deposits are being set for the long future (millions of years here guys) So the short amount of time we've been using fossil fuels (roughly through pre industrial age and American civil war to the present) It seems to me that the rate we use resources now might actually be lower than of the rate at which England(including Europe), US used "oil" at that time (and negligantly also). With newer ways of harvesting that "oil" and using it in the best possible way is a sign that there are certain measures being taken to prolong the after affects of mass oil usage. With developing countries whom are our "allies", which have access to better production facilities and optimal systems making sure every drop is used to its potential is a relief.

In the past wealth was counted through gold deposits in one's bank, we later moved on to oil, then to stock, undoutably we will use a new measurement of wealth in the future that resinates power to the specific nation. But it should also be noted that if people abstaine from over using these recources privately themselves, they're only making it worse for everybody (considering "everybody" thought that way) Moderation is the key, and a period of "peak oil" usage could also mean a time where everyone does not take for granted what here is today will be there tomorrow also. (So gov't officials do not think of their next term in office, but actually what their term in office accomplishes to better their citizens, state and nation.... lastly the world).

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the chinese are converting to burning oil instead of coal, and theres billions of them... its gonna be bad

are you saying we should use chinese people as fossil fuel?

 

[Ameesh]

george bush loves enron and oil so as long as he is here the problem will not be solved.

 

[ajpa123]

Originally posted by: Ameesh

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the chinese are converting to burning oil instead of coal, and theres billions of them... its gonna be bad

are you saying we should use chinese people as fossil fuel?

ur a comedian now that was fufnny !
:beer:

 

[thebestMAX]

After hearing this for as many years as I have lived, I am oblivious.

I was scared in HS there wouldnt be enough oil, why should I be worried now?

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Caring about the future is unamerican.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: thebestMAX
After hearing this for as many years as I have lived, I am oblivious.

I was scared in HS there wouldnt be enough oil, why should I be worried now?

Because geology has improved significantly.

 

[KGB1]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Caring about the future is unamerican.

uhh hmmm.. maybe you missed the memo... Skoorbs' a Cananadian

 

[thebestMAX]

Right, why should I worry now?

 

[Feldenak]

You can place me in the "I don't really give a damn because I'll most likely be dead by the time the oil reserves are depleted." category.

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: thebestMAX
Right, why should I worry now?

well in your case you shouldnt worry at all since you are sooooo old youre gonna die soon any way

 

[KGB1]

Originally posted by: thebestMAX
Right, why should I worry now?

You must have taken the prophecy of Back to the Future and garbage consuming vehicles handbook too seriously

 

[thebestMAX]

Im with Feldenak in case you havent figured that out!