How Should We View Peak Oil Right Now?

The question isn't really "Does Peak Oil exist"... We use oil at a rate that far exceeds its production, and thus there will come a point where the production of oil will reach a peak and then decline. The real question is when / how will this happen.

• If peak oil is happening or has already happened then we are in quite a bit of trouble... the demand for oil and its products is increasing at a near exponential rate now that China and India are moving up to "First World" status.

• If peak oil is in the near future (say within the next 60 odd years) then we are still in a bad spot, but the decline will be managable.

• If it is in the distant future then it is something we don't have to worry about... or if some new energy source is developed that replaces oil without a significant increase in the cost per watt.

www.opposingviews.com/

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