Is the world running out of oil? I heard it will be in the 2040s. Is it true? Is this also why oil is so expensive nowadays?
128606
not running out...just not making as much as they can as fast as they can!
630579
Could this be it? It was written on the right date and has the words "shortage" and "oil" in the title.\nhttp://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/apr2003/nf2003041_2516_db053.htm\nHope I've helped.
281624
IN a convoluted way, you are making a very good point. Isn't it sad that we change only when forced to? Our consumption of oil is/has produced profound changes to our world...a world that we have no choice but to live in. The greenhouse effect is growing daily, the powers-that-be are so short sighted they do nothing in the serious face of reality. WE are in for some very drastic consequences of our use of oil, and the entire planet will pay heavily for it shortly. In our lifetime, absolutely.
339272
Yes, we can make oil- take a look at Biodeisel.  However, right now it is still a LOT cheaper to get it from the ground then make it ourselves.  Oil scarcity is much more about economics than geology.
389861
Yes of course it is. Since oil was discovered in the middle east we have been trying to get our hands on it. There is a reason these people hate us and it isnt for our freedoms or our religious beliefs, or their religous beliefs.  Especially not that oil is running out.
581184
It depends on who you ask.  In the United States it depends on whether you are a Republican or a democrat,  a neo-conservative or a liberal.  Both parties are irrelevant as this is a scientific question. \nIf you listen to UK based Colin Campbell, oil will peak around 2016.  Keep in mind that you must consider middle east oil producers, and countries outside of the middle east, which are expected to peak a lot sooner.  However, the US Geological Survey paints an extremely Rosy picture, with oil production most likely to peak around 2040.  I would say it has a built in optimism since it doesn't factor in geopolitical events.  It also depends on the amount of conservation and alternative energy sources being developed and utilized by the world.  This will also effect production.  You can find this data in the June 2004 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.  US president George Bush plans to stay in iraq until 2016.  Coincidence?
147070
I'm quite impressed by all those quoting the Bible. I mean, really, without wanting to get into any religion-mocking. It actually is impressive as it is not the thinnest of books... \n\nAnyway, as for the question, no, I don't think that oil will be the reason for the world to end. More like a supernova that is our sun in a couple of millions of years.
118893
you are correct -- how do you think all these Middle Eastern countries are getting the money to purchase up all of these US assets that they've been buying for the last 25 years.\n\nI think that America needs to get back on the 'rid ourselves of mid-east oil' kick that we had in the mid to late 70s.  For our own economic protection, we NEED to get alternatives -- nuclear, non-fossil, solar, wind, etc.
189453
First, we'll start running out of it.  Prices will go up.  It will be more expensive to drive, and everything will cost more because it takes gas to ship stuff everywhere.  Airplane travel will skyrocket in price because planes use so much gas.\n\nSecond, there will probably be more wars over oil in the Middle East.  Saudi Arabia has so much oil- it seems like a likely target, either through inciting a civil war or from the outside.  The US will probably be involved in whatever war starts, because we need so much oil here and we have such a big military- we feel like we can take what we need without caring about the people who actually die for it.  China may also be involved in some of this conflict, for similar reasons- big military, huge oil consumption.\n\nThird, people's lives will start to change.  If oil is used up, people may start actually using the altnerative technologies we have available- wind, solar, natural gas, and coming up with cheap ways to spread it around.  More hybrid cars, windmills, solar panels, but maybe a new system to dispense natural gas nationwide at gas stations, if that ends up powering our cars.\n\nFourth, eventually the environmental costs of all our oil consumption will start to catch up to us.  Global warming is already a problem: warming means ice melting, and when the polar caps melt the oceans will rise.  Coastlands will be submerged gradually, first with little islands vanishing(already happening) and then with flooding in coastal wetlands and places like Venice (also already happening).  Despite all this extra water around, it's going to be salty water.  Warming also means droughts and desertification as temperatures rise in tropical regions, especially.  Lots of people will die in sub-Saharan Africa because of a lack of clean drinking water (also already happening).  Fertile land will diminish worldwide, and more people will die from starvation than do already.\n\nThe next wars won't be fought over oil, they'll be fought over water.  Look at the American southwest, and the controversy over the Colorado River/ LA and you'll get an idea of how much water rights mean already.  Dams and river diversion will cause international incidents, and we'll have to make some fast advances in desalinization technology if we want to fight back against these rising tides.\n\nIt's not hopeless, just really, really difficult.  And it gets harder the longer we wait to do something about it- so start today and try to conserve oil.
37088
It's really not a matter of whether you believe in peak oil or not. It is just a matter of fact that anytime you are using a natural resource at some point you will have used up half of all that is available. As to when that half way point will occur, we have to wait and see. As is usually the case, we will not know exactly when it has happened until we can look back at the historical data.
550486
YES it is all about oil. It will not change unless there is a revolution or Revelation. Our children will continue to DIE to support the "status quo" failed petroleum policy of GWB and Company.\n\nRead the White House energy policy signed by Dick Cheney. Not much about getting out of the Oil Economy here:\nhttp://www.whitehouse.gov/energy/summaries.pdf
165884
Oil profits are part of the reason for the wars AND the limited capacity of refineries. I wonder what progress could have been made in the development of alternative energy supplies with the billions that have gone down the drain in those wars.
46640
I agree with you, unfortunately the oil industry has a lot of money and well you know how that goes. Currently there are several research and development programs going on relating to alternative energy sources. Examples are Methane, ethanol, and hydrogen.  Keep you fingers crossed that one of these experimental energy resources hits pay dirt.
16230
It's much to old to be material from the kingdom Animilia (aka 'animals').  However, oil is made from organic materials that have been under pressure for millions of years.  We have proven this with computer simulations and have even succeeded in making minute quanities of artificial oil (as well as diamonds) in the laboratory.  As for it not making sense, there are A LOT of things in our universe that go against our everyday, small understanding of the world.  If you think oil is mind-bending, you should never even begin to ready theories on Quantum Science.
556485
Somehow I have this feeling that we are dependent on oil because the powers that be want it 2 be so. Come on, with all the technology that we have nowadays, computers, microchips, space-travel, etc, do u all really believe that by now we couldnt find an alternative 2 oil if we really wanted it? Problem is that oil is the #1 comodity on the market & 2 replace it would mean that there would be a huge shift in the stock market which will cause severe crashes & lost of wealth 2 many individuals & countries.
114987
Some people claim that oil production peaked within the last year. Even if the supply of oil lasts as many years as you hope, can we count on our leaders to take the necessary steps to cut our dependency on oil before the wells really run dry?
203815
I think those things will become increasingly important given the trends in the price of oil. Companies will shift to alternative forms of energy to save money. I don't know that it will stop wars among nations.