Peak Oil Essay

Danielle Andersen
Colin van Ree
Government Period 2
Due: 5/23/14
Peak Oil
I. Introduction
In ancient times Babylonians used oil as mortar, Native Americans used oil as a topical medicine, and, before electricity, oil was used to create light. Mankind has been dependant on oil as a resource for generations. It has influenced growth, warfare, and technological advancement, but what if mankind were to run out (Alois)? The possibility of this eventuality was first vocalized by M. King Hubbert who introduced the notion of “peak oil.” When global oil production “peaks” it reaches its greatest output level and then permanently declines (Hubbert). There is much debate as to whether this “peak” exists, has already been passed, or will be passed in the near future. Despite the debate there is one undeniable fact; there is a finite amount of oil since it is a non renewable resource. Considering a sudden systemic collapse of all oil production seems unlikely, oil will probably be replaced gradually. This loss of oil could be positive; possibly less CO2 would enter the atmosphere and global warming may be stalled. However, the success of this transition away from fossil fuels will be largely dependant on the ability of developed nations to manage their time. If the US, or any other nation, is going to be successful, they need to start now.
II. Background Information
Oil is a significant, non renewable resource that is found underground and extracted through technological processes (Grubb). Consumption rates of the substance have never been higher. Oil remains to this day a vital aspect of production in industries like plastics, fertilizers, and asphalt. World oil consumption presently rests around 83 million barrels per day (...

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...gy can successfully replace oil. Just as oil will not run out overnight, its replacement will be equally gradual. The success of this transition is largely contingent on time management. Presently, there is no nation privy to a miracle solution. A bulk of available alternative energy sources are not self sufficient, and require oil to jump start their production. Solar panels, while a step in the right direction, are built in factories, shipped in trucks, flown in planes dependent on oil. Oil needs to be conserved, reserved solely for uses that will benefit future generations, such as creating green energy products. As long as there exists a shadow of a doubt as to the inevitability of peak oil, the existence of debate serves not only as an obstacle, but as a cause for hope. When everyone is forced to acknowledge the peak oil issue, it may very well be too late.